Pellets Hops Nelson Sauvin

Nelson Sauvin is one of New Zealand’s most iconic hops, celebrated for its terroir‑driven aromatic character and its clear resemblance to Sauvignon Blanc.

At Rolling Beers, we have selected a production sourced from Pikimai Hops, an independent New Zealand farm distributed by PikNZell. The lots from this estate stand out for their high concentration of essential oils and alpha acids, typically ranging between 14% and 16.5% — well above standard market levels.

Versatile and expressive, this hop can be used both for bitterness — thanks to its elevated alpha content — and for its unique aromatic qualities in late boil additions or Dry Hop.

Two profiles, two interpretations of the terroir

For this season, two distinct plots from the Pikimai farm were selected to offer two clearly differentiated aromatic expressions:

• Standard Harvest: The classic and intense Nelson Sauvin profile, marked by notes of gooseberry, pressed white grape and passion fruit. The most faithful expression of the New Zealand style.
• Early Harvest (Single‑Plot Selection): From a field harvested earlier, this version reaches an impressive 16.3% alpha acid. It offers a softer, fruit‑forward profile: white peach, lychee, gooseberry and pronounced touches of kiwi, as highlighted by Jordan from PikNZell.

Technical specifications

Brewer’s tip

• Recommended styles: Ideal for NZ IPA, NEIPA, Brut IPA and modern “terroir lager”‑style Pilsners.
• Usage: Nelson Sauvin is highly expressive. In Dry Hop, it can easily dominate. For a more balanced tropical profile, pair it with Motueka or Citra.
• Early Harvest: Perfect if you’re aiming for a “fruit sorbet” character (peach/kiwi) without the astringency sometimes found in late‑season harvests.

Product FAQ

Why is the alpha content so high?
The Pikimai farm’s terroir and cultivation practices allow for resin levels significantly above typical market standards (often between 10% and 13%).

What is the main difference between the two harvests?
The standard harvest highlights white grape and wine‑like notes, while the early harvest leans toward stone fruits (peach) and soft exotic fruits (kiwi, lychee).