Lotus Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 13.0 - 17.0%United States

Lotus is a powerhouse variety that represents a fascinating intersection of modern breeding and wild American genetics. Released as a proprietary hop by Hopsteiner, Lotus features a complex lineage including Eastern Gold, Apollo, Cascade, and USDA 19058. Its true secret lies in its unique "wild" heritage, which imparts a level of aromatic complexity rarely seen in standard commercial hops. This high-alpha, high-oil variety functions as a "super-aroma" hop, delivering a saturated fruit character that feels both lush and ethereal. For brewers looking to move beyond simple citrus, Lotus offers an almost mystical combination of tropical intensity and soft, perfumed floral notes.

The profile of Lotus is a vibrant and expansive arrangement of candied fruits and delicate blossoms. It leads with a dominant primary bouquet of orange marmalade, vanilla, and ripe grape, followed immediately by a sophisticated secondary layer of tropical pineapple and dried hibiscus. Because of its unique genetic background, it often imparts a distinctive "creamy" or "marshmallow" sweetness that rounds out the sharper citrus edges. On the palate, the bitterness is firm but remarkably clean, allowing the lush, berry-like and tropical fruit flavors to linger with a full, bright, and incredibly complex finish.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Lotus, the best alternatives are Amarillo®, Cashmere, or El Dorado®.

At A Glance

ProfileOrange Marmalade, Vanilla, Candied Grape, Tropical Fruit, Pineapple, Hibiscus
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid13.0 - 17.0%
SubstitutesAmarillo®, Cashmere, El Dorado®
Pairs withCashmere (to enhance the silky/melon-like notes), Chinook (to provide a piney/grapefruit foundation for the floral top-notes), El Dorado® (to push the candy-fruit sweetness)
Beer StylesNew England India Pale Ale, Hazy Pale Ale, American Wheat, Cream Ale, West Coast India Pale Ale

General Information

Country
United States
Alias
Experimental #06297
Storage Stability
Retains 80% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
13.0 - 17.0%
Beta Acid
5.5 - 6.5%
Cohumulone
33.0 - 39.0%
Total Oil
2.0 - 3.0 ml/100g
Myrcene
35.0 - 50.0%
Humulene
15.0 - 25.0%
Caryophyllene
10.0 - 15.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
0.5 - 0.8%
Geraniol
0.6 - 1.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
2,400 - 3,000 lbs/hour
Maturity
Mid to Late Season
Resistant
Powdery Mildew (strong), Downy Mildew (strong)
Growth Rate
Very High / Extremely Vigorous
Cones
Medium-sized, moderately dense, and exceptionally resinous. The cones are literally dripping with go
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; the structural strength of the bines allows for efficient high-speed mechanical picking.
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium Green
Side Arm Length
24" - 40" (long)

Lotus Aroma/Flavor Profile

Aroma
CitrusTropical FruitStone FruitApple/PearMelonBerryFloralSpicy/Herbal

Discovery Tags

Breeding/Supplier

Last Updated
  • 2026-05-06 15:10:54