Pacific Sunrise™ Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 12.5 - 14.5%New Zealand

Breeding & lineage: Cluster, Fuggle, and European/NZ male crosses

Genetics & family tree

Curated parent and offspring links for Pacific Sunrise. View Pacific Sunrise family tree & lineage chart → Recipe swaps are on the Hop Substitutor.

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Pacific Sunrise™ is a modern powerhouse that captures the absolute essence of the New Zealand hop revolution. While it was originally released by the HortResearch program in 2000, it has recently seen a significant resurgence in the craft market. Its complex pedigree—drawing from Cluster, Fuggle, and New Zealand male hops—allows it to function as a formidable dual-purpose variety. Whether used for its high-alpha bittering efficiency or its massive aromatic impact, Pacific Sunrise™ represents a fruit-forward juggernaut transformed by the unique New Zealand terroir.

The sensory profile of Pacific Sunrise™ is a vivid and intense celebration of tropical sunshine. It leads with a primary, "juicy" bouquet of ripe melon, mango, and crushed pineapple, followed by a vibrant secondary layer of zesty lemon and sweet navel orange. As the profile develops, brewers will find a refined herbal "dankness" and a subtle [tag]floral/[tag] hint that provides a crisp, refreshing edge. Thanks to its exceptionally high oil saturation and firm alpha acid content, this hop shines in late-kettle, whirlpool, and dry-hop additions, delivering a bold, punchy bitterness and a lingering, candy-like fruit finish.

Looking for an alternative?

Run Pacific Sunrise through our Hop Substitutor to find chemical and flavor matches ranked for your brewing goal.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Pacific Sunrise, the best alternatives are Citra®, Nelson Sauvin™, or Vic Secret™.

Match scores use aroma/flavor charts and chemistry — estimates only.

At A Glance

ProfileRipe Melon, Mango, Crushed Pineapple, Zesty Lemon, Sweet Navel Orange, Herbal, Dank, Floral
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid12.5 - 14.5%
SubstitutesCitra®, Nelson Sauvin™, Vic Secret™
Pairs withCitra® (to create an unstoppable "super-fruit" punch), Motueka™ (to add a lime-citrus lift), Nelson Sauvin™ (to amplify the tropical and white grape notes)
Beer StylesHazy India Pale Ale, New England India Pale Ale, West Coast India Pale Ale, Hoppy Pilsner

General Information

Country
New Zealand
Aliases
Pac Sunrise, Horticulture ID: 00-24-11
Storage Stability
Maintains 60% - 70% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
12.5 - 14.5%
Beta Acid
6.0 - 7.0%
Cohumulone
28.0 - 33.0%
Total Oil
2.0 - 3.0 ml/100g
Myrcene
35.0 - 45.0%
Humulene
15.0 - 20.0%
Caryophyllene
5.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
~0.6%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,800 - 2,200 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid to late season
Growth Rate
Very high
Cones
Large, dense, and heavily laden with lupulin. The cones are noted for their high resin content and p
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; the bines are structurally strong, and the variety is well-suited for high-efficiency mec
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium green
Side Arm Length
20" - 35" (medium to long)

Pacific Sunrise™ Aroma/Flavor Profile

Aroma
CitrusTropical FruitStone FruitApple/PearMelonBerryFloralSpicy/Herbal

Discovery Tags

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-15 19:44:50