Pride of Ringwood Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Pride of Ringwood is the definitive heritage hop of Australia, responsible for the iconic, refreshing bitterness found in the continent's most famous lagers and ales. Developed by Bill Nash at the Ringwood Hop Research Station in the 1950s and released commercially in 1965, it was bred from a Pride of Kent female and a wild Tasmanian male. At the time of its release, it was the highest alpha-acid hop in the world, specifically engineered to thrive in the harsh, sun-drenched Australian climate. While its dominance has shifted from 90% of national acreage to less than 10% due to the rise of modern "flavor" hops, it remains the undisputed choice for brewers seeking a sharp, authentic, and unmistakably Australian character.

The sensory profile of Pride of Ringwood is bold, rustic, and unpretentiously "Aussie." It is prized primarily for an assertive, clean bitterness that provides the structural backbone for crisp, malt-forward beers. Its aromatic bouquet is dominated by earthy and herbal notes, with distinct undertones of cedar, oak, and resinous pine. When used in the late boil, it can contribute a rugged, spicy floral quality and subtle citrus hints that are more robust than traditional European noble varieties. Because of its unique oil composition and high alpha efficiency, Pride of Ringwood delivers a crisp, lingering finish that is the hallmark of a classic "thirst-quencher."

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Pride of Ringwood, the best alternatives are Centennial, Cluster, Galena, or Super Pride.

At A Glance

Profile Earthy, Herbal, Cedar, Oak, Resinous Pine, Spicy Floral, Subtle Citrus
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 7.0 - 11.0%
Substitutes Centennial, Cluster, Galena, Super Pride
Pairs with Cluster (for a heritage herbal blend), Galaxy™ (to provide a bitter base for tropical fruit), Super Pride (to modernize the bittering efficiency)
Beer Styles Australian Lager, British Ale, Australian Sparkling Ale

General Information

Country Australia
Alias Often abbreviated as PoR
Storage Stability
Maintains 45% - 55% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 7.0 - 11.0%
Beta Acid 4.0 - 8.0%
Cohumulone 26.0 - 39.0%
Total Oil 1.0 - 2.0 ml/100g
Myrcene 24.0 - 50.0%
Humulene 2.0 - 4.0%
Caryophyllene 9.0 - 14.0%
Farnesene 0.0 - 0.1%
Linalool 0.4 - 0.6%
Geraniol ~0.2%
Selinene 1.0 - 2.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,950 - 2.700 lb/acre
Maturity Late
Resistant Most common Australian hop pathogens
Tolerant Heat
Susceptible Damp, Shorter Seasons
Growth Rate Very high
Cones Medium to large, compact, and very rich in lupulin
Ease of Harvest Excellent; the bines are structurally tough, and the variety is well-adapted to high-speed mechanica
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium green
Side Arm Length 20" - 35"

Pride of Ringwood Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Cedar Citrus Earthy Floral Herbal Oak Pine Resinous Spicy
Variety Name
Centennial Cluster Galaxy Galena Pride Of Kent Super Pride
Beer Style
Australian Lager Australian Sparkling Ale British Ale
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
Australia
Breeding/Supplier
Ringwood Hop Research Station
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-08 20:46:13
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

  • #Floral (The Delicate Finish)

    A mellow Sunday pour. From jasmine to dried rose petals, floral hops provide a sophisticated aroma without overpowering the palate. Perfect for delicate Belgian styles. Explore #Floral 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.