Pacific Jade™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Pacific Jade™ is a masterclass in dual-purpose utility, seamlessly blending the massive structural power of New Zealand high-alpha varieties with the delicate "Noble" finesse of its heritage. Developed by HortResearch and released in 2004, this variety was engineered from a cross between Saaz and the New Zealand hop First Choice. Pacific Jade™ provides brewers with a versatile tool capable of delivering high-intensity bitterness without the harsh, jagged edges often found in other super-alpha hops. Thanks to its unique genetic makeup and the pristine growing conditions of New Zealand, it has become a favorite for those seeking a "refined boldness"—acting as both a heavy-duty bittering workhorse and a sophisticated aromatic finisher.

The sensory profile of Pacific Jade™ is a striking and unconventional arrangement of fresh citrus and savory spice. It leads with a primary, "punchy" bouquet of bold, freshly crushed black pepper and herbal zest, followed by a vibrant secondary layer of sweet Meyer lemon and lime. As the profile develops, brewers will find a refined "green" freshness and a subtle hint of honeysuckle that remains impeccably clean on the palate. Due to its exceptionally low cohumulone levels, Pacific Jade™ delivers an incredibly soft, rounded bitterness that integrates perfectly with crisp pilsners and hop-forward ales alike. It is the definitive choice for imparting a sophisticated, peppery citrus depth with a polished finish.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Pacific Jade, the best alternatives are Hallertau, Magnum, or Saaz.

At A Glance

Profile Black Pepper, Herbal Zest, Meyer Lemon, Lime, Honeysuckle
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 12.0 - 14.0%
Substitutes Hallertau, Magnum, Saaz
Pairs with or Nelson Sauvin™ (to add a complex wine-like fruit top-note), Motueka™ (to amplify the lime and citrus), Saaz (to sharpen the peppery spice)
Beer Styles Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Pilsner, Lager, Belgian Wit, Porter

General Information

Country New Zealand
Alias HORT1524
Storage Stability
Very good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 12.0 - 14.0%
Beta Acid 7.0 - 8.0%
Cohumulone 23.0 - 25.0%
Total Oil 1.2 - 1.5 ml/100g
Myrcene 28.0 - 35.0%
Humulene 28.0 - 33.0%
Caryophyllene 8.0 - 11.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool ~0.5%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,800 - 2,100 lbs/acre
Maturity Middle to late
Growth Rate High / Vigorous
Cones Medium to large, firm, and dense. They are noted for their high lupulin saturation and a pungent, pe
Ease of Harvest Excellent; the bines are structurally strong, and the variety is well-suited for high-efficiency mec
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium green
Side Arm Length 20" - 30" (medium)

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Black Pepper Herbal Honeysuckle Lemon Lime
Variety Name
First Choice Hallertau Magnum Motueka Nelson Sauvin Saaz
Beer Style
Belgian Wit India Pale Ale Lager Pale Ale Pilsner Porter
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
New Zealand
Breeding/Supplier
Hortresearch
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-15 19:09:36
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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  • 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.