Southern Star Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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.

Substitution Tip

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"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Cedar Dark Fruit Floral Fresh Pine Herbal Red Berry Spicy Sweet Hay Woody
Variety Name
Galena Northern Brewer Nugget Outeniqua Saaz Southern Passion Southern Promise
Beer Style
India Pale Ale Lager Pale Ale Pilsner Porter Stout
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
South Africa
Last Updated
  • 2026-03-31 13:37:02
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

  • #Noble (Classics)

    Back to the roots. European "Noble" hops are the elegant, low-bitterness varieties that defined Pilsners and Lagers for centuries. Explore the spicy, floral heritage of the Old World. Explore #Noble 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.