Southern Star Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 12.0 - 15.5%South Africa
Flavor & aroma
Southern Star is a premier dual-purpose hop that defines the robust and resilient nature of the South African hop industry. Released in 2001, it was engineered specifically to handle South Africa’s shorter growing seasons. Bred from a cross between the high-alpha Outeniqua and a South African male (OF2/93), it represents a bridge between high-intensity bittering and refined European aromatics.
As a "short-day" variety adapted to the Southern Hemisphere, Southern Star offers a level of agricultural consistency that is rare among high-alpha cultivars. It is a versatile powerhouse, prized by brewers for its exceptionally clean and crisp bittering quality. Whether anchoring a light lager or providing the backbone for a hearty stout, it offers a steady, traditional presence that can handle the toughest brewing conditions.
If you can't find Southern Star, the best alternatives are Galena, Northern Brewer, Nugget, or Southern Promise.
At A Glance
| Profile | Herbal, Subtle Dark Fruits, Fresh Pine, Sweet Hay, Spicy, Woody, Cedar, Red Berry, Floral |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 12.0 - 15.5% |
| Substitutes | Galena, Northern Brewer, Nugget, Southern Promise |
| Pairs with | Northern Brewer (to amplify the woody spice), Saaz (for a more delicate floral finish), Southern Passion (to add tropical fruit notes) |
| Beer Styles | Pale Ale, Lager, Pilsner, Stout, Porter, IPA |
General Information
| Country | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Storage Stability | Retains 80% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 12.0 - 15.5% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 4.8 - 5.2% |
| Cohumulone | 28.0 - 33.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.3 - 1.6 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 25.0 - 35.0% |
| Humulene | 30.0 - 40.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 10.0 - 14.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
| Linalool | 0.3 - 0.5% |
| Geraniol | ~0.2% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 1,800 - 2,200 lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Mid to late season |
| Resistant | Most common hop diseases (excellent) |
| Tolerant | Heat, pest pressure in the region |
| Growth Rate | High |
| Cones | Medium to large, oval-shaped, and very dense with high lupulin saturation |
| Ease of Harvest | Excellent; the bines are strong and the variety is perfectly suited for modern mechanical picking |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Medium-dark green |
| Side Arm Length | 20" - 30" |
- 2026-03-31 19:37:02