Nelson Sauvin Hops – Whole Leaf 100g

Nelson Sauvin Whole Leaf Hops

Nelson Sauvin hops are a New Zealand-grown aroma variety developed by Plant & Food Research.

Named for their Sauvignon Blanc-like aroma, they bring bold, fruity character to hop-forward beers.

Whole leaf Nelson Sauvin offers strong notes of gooseberry, white wine, passionfruit, and crushed grape — with enough resin to balance the fruitiness.

Best used late in the boil, whirlpool, or dry hop to showcase its unique aromatics in hazy styles, juicy IPAs, or mixed-ferment recipes.

Nelson Sauvin Hop Profile

• Origin: New Zealand
• Alpha Acid: 11–13%
• Beta Acid: 6–8%
• Characteristics: Gooseberry, white wine, passionfruit, light resin
• Substitutes: Hallertau Blanc, Motueka, Riwaka
• Use: Aroma, dry hop, late additions

Nelson Sauvin Hop Flavour

Nelson Sauvin is punchy and distinctive — full of tropical fruit, gooseberry, and white wine aroma, often compared to Sauvignon Blanc.

Late additions bring out vibrant aromatics and a slightly resinous, dry finish that helps balance sweeter malts or yeast esters.

Beer Styles for Nelson Sauvin Hops

Nelson Sauvin fits best in modern, hop-driven styles that embrace big aroma and juicy flavour.

• Hazy IPA: Delivers saturated gooseberry and white wine aromatics.
• New Zealand Pilsner: Adds bold hop aroma over a clean, dry lager base.
• Pale Ale: Provides tropical lift with subtle dry finish.
• Saison: Pairs well with phenolic yeast and dry body.
• Mixed Ferment: Stands up to acidity and funk with bright fruit aroma.

Nelson Sauvin Hop Substitutes

Nelson Sauvin hops can be swapped for other fruity, wine-like varieties like Hallertau Blanc, Motueka, or Riwaka if needed.

• Hallertau Blanc: Shares similar white wine notes, with a more restrained finish.
• Motueka: Adds lime and tropical character, with a softer profile overall.
• Riwaka: Delivers bold citrus and passionfruit, with a sharper edge than Nelson.

Nelson Sauvin Hop Pairings

Pairs well with Citra, Galaxy, and Motueka in hazy blends where tropical intensity and complexity are key.

• Citra: Amplifies juicy tropical and citrus layers.
• Galaxy: Boosts overripe fruit and passionfruit notes.
• Motueka: Adds a fresh lime twist and softens the edges.

Brewer’s Tip

Nelson Sauvin can dominate a hop bill — blend it carefully if you're not aiming for full-on gooseberry and white wine character.

It pairs well with soft malt or oat-heavy bases that let its bright top notes shine without harshness.