Sorachi Ace Hops

Sorachi Ace is a legendary Japanese hop that has carved a singular niche in the global craft scene since its 1984 release by Sapporo Breweries. Developed by Dr. Yoshitada Mori, it was bred from a cross of Saaz and Brewer’s Gold, with that offspring then crossed with a Japanese male (BeiKei No. 2). While originally intended to mimic Saaz, it evolved into something entirely unique. Though it nearly disappeared in Japan, it found a second life on U.S. hop farms—famously championed by Brooklyn Brewery—where it grows with distinct characteristics, typically showing lower yields and alpha acids than its Japanese counterparts.

The sensory profile of Sorachi Ace is among the most unmistakable in brewing, defined by its signature "lemon curd" and "dill" characteristics. It leads with a primary bouquet of creamy lemon zest and lemongrass, followed by savory notes of fresh dill and cracked coriander. As the profile develops, brewers will find a sophisticated woody background of oak and cedar with a soft, buttery finish. Due to its high oil content—specifically methyl-4-decenoate—it provides a saturated flavor that stands up remarkably well to expressive Belgian yeast, making it the definitive choice for bold, savory, and citrus-forward ales.