Waimea™ Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 16.0 - 19.0%New Zealand
Waimea™ is a high-alpha force of nature, released in 2012 by the New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research. It was originally bred to meet the growing demand for efficient bittering hops that didn’t sacrifice aromatic soul. Its lineage is an impressive "greatest hits" of brewing history, pulling genetic traits from Saaz, Fuggle, and California Late Cluster.
Despite its "big beer" reputation and alpha acid levels that can soar up to 19%, Waimea is far from a blunt instrument. It was engineered with exceptionally low cohumulone levels, ensuring that its massive bittering potential remains smooth and clean rather than harsh. This unique balance has made it a favorite for brewers who need the sheer muscle for a 60-minute boil but want the sophisticated, fruit-forward nuance required for a world-class dry hop.
If you can't find Waimea, the best alternatives are Columbus, Nelson Sauvin™, or Pacific Jade™.
At A Glance
| Profile | Citrus, Pine, Tangelo, Pink Grapefruit, Dank, Resinous, Floral, Earthy, Spicy |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 16.0 - 19.0% |
| Substitutes | Columbus, Nelson Sauvin™, Pacific Jade™ |
| Pairs with | Citra® (to amplify citrus notes), Nelson Sauvin™ (for a tropical wine-like boost), Simcoe® (to lean into the piney/resinous character) |
| Beer Styles | West Coast India Pale Ale, Double India Pale Ale, Pale Ale, Hoppy Lager |
General Information
| Country | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Aliases | HORT3953, NZ Waimea |
| Storage Stability | Very good |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 16.0 - 19.0% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 7.0 - 9.0% |
| Cohumulone | 22.0 - 24.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.8 - 2.3 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 55.0 - 65.0% |
| Humulene | 8.0 - 12.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 2.0 - 5.0% |
| Farnesene | 3.0 - 7.0% |
| Linalool | 0.6% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | High |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Middle to late |
| Growth Rate | High |
| Cones | Medium to large; dense and rich in lupulin |
| Ease of Harvest | Excellent; suited for professional mechanical picking |
| Sex | Female (Triploid) |
| Leaf Color | Medium green |
| Side Arm Length | Long |
Waimea™ Aroma/Flavor Profile
- 2026-03-01 16:54:54