Oktawia Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 6.9 - 9.4%Poland

Oktawia (often referred to as Octavia) is a hidden gem of Polish hop breeding that offers a fascinating departure from the standard spicy and herbal profiles of Central Europe. Originally developed in Poland as a complex cross between Brewer's Gold, Northern Brewer, and a wild hop from the former Yugoslavia, this variety was nearly lost to history. It sat on the brink of extinction until the Olimp Brewery featured it in a single-hop pale ale called Zefir, which received glowing reviews and sparked a craft renaissance for the strain. Known for its rugged adaptability and vigorous growth, Oktawia thrives in the Polish climate, producing a harvest that is technically refined yet aromatically bold.

The sensory profile of Oktawia is a crisp and refreshing arrangement of summer fruits and garden aromatics. It leads with a primary, "cool" bouquet of sweet honeydew melon, white grape, and lime zest, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of fresh-cut cucumber and wildflower honey. As the profile develops, brewers will find a gentle herbal "snap" and a subtle woody undertone that provides a clean, polished finish. Thanks to its moderate alpha acids and balanced oil composition, Oktawia delivers a smooth, unobtrusive bitterness and a saturated aromatic presence. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking to impart a unique, "garden-fresh" fruitiness typically sought in modern Pacific cultivars.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Oktawia, the best alternatives are Brewers Gold, Marynka, or Northern Brewer.

At A Glance

ProfileHoneydew Melon, White Grapes, Lime Zest, Fresh-Cut Cucumber, Wildflower Honey, Herbal, Woody
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid6.9 - 9.4%
SubstitutesBrewers Gold, Marynka, Northern Brewer
Pairs withIunga (to provide a clean bittering base), Magnum (to anchor the profile with structural bitterness), Mosaic® (to amplify the tropical and berry complexities)
Beer StylesPilsner, American Pale Ale, Grodziskie, Altbier, Witbier

General Information

Country
Poland
Alias
Octavia
Storage Stability
Good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
6.9 - 9.4%
Beta Acid
3.5 - 4.0%
Cohumulone
24.0 - 28.0%
Total Oil
1.4 - 1.8 ml/100g
Myrcene
48.0 - 52.0%
Humulene
10.0 - 12.0%
Caryophyllene
5.0 - 7.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,500 - 1,800 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid season
Growth Rate
High / Vigorous
Cones
Medium-sized, oval, and moderately dense. They are known for a high concentration of lupulin that ca
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; the plant's structural integrity allows for efficient mechanical picking. Its recovery fr
Sex
Female

Discovery Tags

Origin

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-19 15:07:25