Pekko® Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Pekko® is a modern American powerhouse that challenges the traditional boundaries of hop aromatics. Developed by the American Dwarf Hop Association (now Latitude 46), this proprietary variety was named in honor of the Finnish god of farming—a fitting tribute to its impressive vigor and high essential oil content. Pekko® is highly regarded in the craft world for its remarkable versatility; it possesses the high alpha acids required for efficient, clean bittering while simultaneously offering a complex, nuanced aromatic signature. It is a standout choice for those looking to move beyond standard citrus profiles, providing a sophisticated character that shines in everything from crisp lagers to experimental ales.

The sensory profile of Pekko® is incredibly intricate, characterized by its unique "floral-fruit" elegance and refreshing herbal undertones. It leads with a primary, "crisp" bouquet of pineapple, pear, and stone fruit, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of cucumber, sage, and fresh mint. As the profile develops, brewers will find a distinct floral quality reminiscent of lily and lemon thyme, which provides a bright, clean finish. Thanks to its high oil saturation and balanced bitterness, Pekko® delivers a saturated aromatic presence and a polished mouthfeel, making it the definitive choice for a complex, refreshing, and entirely modern aromatic depth.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Pekko, the best alternatives are Azacca™, Hallertau Blanc, or Simcoe®.

At A Glance

Profile Floral, Herbal, Sweet Pineapple, Pear, Stone Fruit, Cucumber, Sage, Fresh Mint, Lily, Lemon Thyme
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 13.0 - 16.0%
Substitutes Azacca™, Hallertau Blanc, Simcoe®
Pairs with Citra® (to boost the tropical punch), Hallertau Blanc (to amplify the wine-like fruit and floral notes), Mosaic® (to add a berry-like complexity)
Beer Styles Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Hazy India Pale Ale, Pilsner, Saison, Wheat Beer

General Information

Country United States
Storage Stability
Good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 13.0 - 16.0%
Beta Acid 3.5 - 5.2%
Cohumulone 26.0 - 30.0%
Total Oil 2.0 - 3.0 ml/100g
Myrcene 35.0 - 50.0%
Humulene 10.0 - 15.0%
Caryophyllene 10.0 - 15.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool ~0.6%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 2,200 - 2,400 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid to late season
Growth Rate High
Cones Medium to large, firm, and heavily saturated with lupulin. The cones are noted for their pungency an
Ease of Harvest Excellent; the bines are structurally strong, and the variety is well-suited for high-speed mechanic
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium green
Side Arm Length 20" - 35" (medium to long)

Pekko Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Cucumber Floral Herbal Lemon Lily Mint Pear Pineapple Sage Stone Fruit Thyme
Variety Name
Azacca Citra Hallertau Blanc Mosaic Simcoe
Beer Style
Hazy India Pale Ale India Pale Ale Pale Ale Pilsner Saison Wheat Beer
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
American Dwarf Hop Association Latitude 46
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-13 18:29:12
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.