Sultana™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Sultana™ is a high-performance American variety that truly lives up to its "larger-than-life" reputation. Bred in 2006 by the Hopsteiner program, this variety was born from a powerhouse lineage: 50% Nugget, 25% Columbus, and 25% USDA 19058m. After ten years of rigorous evaluation, it was originally released under the name Denali, before being renamed Sultana™â„˘ as a tribute to the massive, majestic peak in the Alaska Range.

Known affectionately by some growers as "Nuggetzilla," Sultana™ is famous in the field for its giant, resin-heavy cones and aggressive vertical growth. For the brewer, it represents the pinnacle of "Super Alpha" hops—offering a staggering essential oil content that delivers a saturated, fruit-forward intensity that few other varieties can match.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Sultana, the best alternatives are Galena, Nugget, Simcoe®, or Vic Secret™.

At A Glance

Profile Pineapple, Citrus, Lemon Zest, Resinous Dank Pine
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 13.0 - 16.0%
Substitutes Galena, Nugget, Simcoe®, Vic Secret™
Pairs with Citra® (to amplify citrus), El Dorado® (for added candy/fruit notes), Simcoe® (to deepen the resinous pine)
Beer Styles Hazy India Pale Ale, West Coast India Pale Ale, Imperial India Pale Ale, Wheat Beer

General Information

Country United States
Aliases Denali, Nuggetzilla, Experimental #06277
Storage Stability
Very good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 13.0 - 16.0%
Beta Acid 3.5 - 5.0%
Cohumulone 22.0 - 26.0%
Total Oil 3.0 - 4.5 ml/100g
Myrcene 60.0 - 70.0%
Humulene 10.0 - 15.0%
Caryophyllene 5.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool 0.3 - 0.6%
B-Pinene 0.7%
Geraniol 0.5%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 2,500 - 2,765 lbs/acre
Maturity Late season
Resistant Powdery Mildew (high)
Growth Rate Vigorous
Cones Notably huge and very dense, often significantly larger than standard American varieties
Ease of Harvest High; despite the massive cone size, the bines are strong and well-suited for high-volume mechanical
Sex Female
Leaf Color Dark, forest green
Side Arm Length 24" - 36"

Sultana Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Citrus Dank Lemon Zest Pine Pineapple Resinous
Variety Name
Citra El Dorado Galena Nugget Simcoe Vic Secret
Beer Style
Hazy India Pale Ale Imperial India Pale Ale West Coast India Pale Ale Wheat Beer
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
Hopsteiner
Last Updated
  • 2026-03-26 18:26:49
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.