Sorachi Ace Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Sorachi Ace, the best alternatives are Glacier, Motueka™, Simcoe®, Southern Cross™, or Warrior®.

At A Glance

Profile Lemon Zest, Lemongrass, Fresh Dill, Cracked Coriander, Woody, Oak, Cedar, Buttery Finish
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 10.0 - 16.0%
Substitutes Glacier, Motueka™, Simcoe®, Southern Cross™, Warrior®
Pairs with Motueka™ (to lean into the citrus), Nelson Sauvin™ (for a unique fruit/wine complexity), Saaz (to reinforce its noble herbal roots)
Beer Styles Saison, Witbier, India Pale Ale, Belgian Strong Ale, Pilsner, Gose

General Information

Country Japan
Storage Stability
Retains 80% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 10.0 - 16.0%
Beta Acid 6.0 - 7.5%
Cohumulone 23.0 - 28.0%
Total Oil 2.0 - 3.0 ml/100g
Myrcene 45.0 - 55.0%
Humulene 12.0 - 15.0%
Caryophyllene 5.0 - 8.0%
Farnesene 2.0 - 5.0%
Linalool 0.3 - 0.5%
B-Pinene 0.5 - 0.8%
Geraniol 0.1 - 0.5%
Methyl 4-Decenoate 1.5 - 3.0%
Methyl 4-Decenoate 1.5 - 3.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,700 - 2,100 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid to late season
Resistant Downy Mildew (high)
Growth Rate High
Cones Medium-sized, relatively dense, and heavily saturated with bright, pungent lupulin
Ease of Harvest Excellent; the bines are structurally sound and the variety is well-suited for high-speed mechanical
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium-dark green
Side Arm Length 20" - 35"

Sorachi Ace Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Butter Cedar Coriander Dill Lemon Zest Lemongrass Oak Woody
Variety Name
Brewer’s Gold Glacier Motueka Nelson Sauvin Saaz Simcoe Southern Cross Warrior
Beer Style
Belgian Strong Ale Gose India Pale Ale Pilsner Saison Witbier
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
Japan
Breeding/Supplier
Sapporo Breweries
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-01 21:34:45
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

  • #Stone-Fruit (Orchard Vibe)

    Saturday is for smooth sipping. From fuzzy peach to ripe apricot, these hops add a soft, rounded sweetness to the aroma of Pale Ales and Sours. Explore #Stone-Fruit 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.