Waimea™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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.

Substitution Tip

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

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Citrus Dank Earthy Floral Pine Pink Grapefruit Resinous Spicy Tangelo
Variety Name
California Late Cluster Citra Columbus Fuggle Nelson Sauvin Pacific Jade Saaz Simcoe
Beer Style
Double India Pale Ale Hoppy Lager Pale Ale West Coast India Pale Ale
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
New Zealand
Breeding/Supplier
Plant & Food Research
Last Updated
  • 2026-03-01 09:54:54
Source(s)

Hops Catalog

Navigating This Profile
  • The Stats: Use the Purpose and Alpha % to understand the hop's bitterness and aromatic strength.
  • Discovery Tags: Scroll down to find clickable tags for Flavor, Origin, and Usage.
  • The Network: Click any tag (like #Citrus or #New Zealand) to instantly view every other hop in our catalog that shares that trait.
Discovery Tag Spotlight

  • #Pine (West Coast Classic)

    Kick off the weekend with a classic. Think forest floors and fresh resin. These hops provide that iconic, "crispy" evergreen aroma that defined the original American IPA. Explore #Pine Hops!
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Did you know?
  • Dwarf variety hops grow shorter in height than traditional varieties but, importantly, produce the same yield. This combination makes harvest easier.
Explanations
  • Storage: is based on the percentage of alpha acids remaining after 6 months at 20*F.
  • Oil composition percetages are based on the total percentage of oil in the hop. Example: 10 - 20% means that for the specific oil it is 10 - 20% of the overall oil make up.