Southern Cross™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Southern Cross™ is a distinguished New Zealand dual-purpose hop that embodies the rugged, pristine character of the Tasman region. Released in 1994 by the HortResearch breeding program, it features a diverse lineage including Smooth Cone, Fuggle, and an American variety. Developed to provide brewers with a reliable, high-alpha bittering agent, Southern Cross quickly distinguished itself through a sophisticated aromatic profile that far exceeds standard bittering hops. It is a true workhorse of the industry, prized for its excellent storage stability and its unique ability to anchor a heavy stout while providing the bright top-notes required for modern lagers.

The sensory profile is a vibrant, cooling arrangement of citrus and coniferous forest notes. It leads with a "clean and green" bouquet of fresh-squeezed lemon and lime zest, followed by a deep, resinous pine character. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle hints of spice and soft floral undertones that provide a crisp finish. Because of its remarkably low cohumulone levels, Southern Cross™ delivers a smooth, velvety bitterness that integrates seamlessly into any malt backbone, making it a premier choice for high-quality bittering and refreshing aromatic impact.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Southern Cross, the best alternatives are Chinook, Northern Brewer, or Simcoe®.

At A Glance

Profile Citrus, Fresh-Squeezed Lemon, Lime Zest, Resinous Pine, Spice, Floral
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 11.0 - 14.0%
Substitutes Chinook, Northern Brewer, Simcoe®
Pairs with Cascade (to bridge the pine notes with classic florals), Motueka™ (to double down on lime), Nelson Sauvin™ (for a fruitier edge)
Beer Styles India Pale Ale, Pale Ale, Stout, Porter, Pilsner, Lager

General Information

Country New Zealand
Storage Stability
Retains 71% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 11.0 - 14.0%
Beta Acid 5.0 - 7.0%
Cohumulone 25.0 - 28.0%
Total Oil 1.0 - 1.5 ml/100g
Myrcene 25.0 - 35.0%
Humulene 20.0 - 25.0%
Caryophyllene 6.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene 5.0 - 7.0%
Linalool 0.4 - 0.6%
Geraniol ~0.2%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,800 - 2,200 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid to late season
Growth Rate Very high
Cones Medium to large, oval-shaped, and very dense with high lupulin saturation
Ease of Harvest Excellent; the bines are structurally sound and the cones are resilient to high-speed mechanical pic
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium-dark green
Side Arm Length 20" - 30"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Citrus Floral Lemon Lime Zest Pine Resinous Spice
Variety Name
Cascade Chinook Fuggle Motueka Nelson Sauvin Northern Brewer Simcoe Smooth Cone
Beer Style
India Pale Ale Lager Pale Ale Pilsner Porter Stout
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
New Zealand
Breeding/Supplier
Hortresearch
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-01 09:34:57
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!
Recently added hops
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.