Olicana® Hops

AromaAlpha 7.0 - 9.0%United Kingdom

Olicana® is a revolutionary variety that has redefined the possibilities of British hop cultivation. Released in 2014 as part of the Charles Faram breeding program, it was initially planted as an experimental variety in 2009 alongside its sister, Jester. Olicana® was specifically selected for its impressive vigor and a higher tolerance to Powdery Mildew than traditional varieties like Challenger. Currently grown commercially by specialists like Townend Farm and Stocks Farm in Worcestershire, this hop thrives in English soil while expressing an intense fruit character once thought exclusive to the Pacific Northwest or New Zealand.

The sensory profile of Olicana® is a vibrant and sun-drenched explosion of exotic tropical fruit and bright citrus. It leads with a primary, "juicy" bouquet of ripe mango, crushed pineapple, and passionfruit, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of grapefruit zest and sweet floral honey. As the profile develops, brewers will find a subtle herbal freshness and a hint of stone fruit that remains clean and inviting on the palate. Thanks to its remarkably high essential oil content and balanced alpha levels, Olicana® delivers a saturated aromatic presence and a crisp, refreshing finish—making it the definitive regional, sustainable choice for high-impact, hop-forward ales.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Olicana, the best alternatives are Amarillo®, Cascade, Chinook, or Nelson Sauvin.

At A Glance

ProfileTropical Fruit, Bright Citrus, Ripe Mango, Crushed Pineapple, Passionfruit, Grapefruit Zest, Floral Honey, Herbal Freshness, Stone Fruit
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid7.0 - 9.0%
SubstitutesAmarillo®, Cascade, Chinook, Nelson Sauvin
Pairs withCitra® (to create an unstoppable tropical fruit powerhouse), Harlequin® (to push the passionfruit notes further), Jester (to amplify the blackcurrant and grapefruit)
Beer StylesPale Ale, India Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Modern Bitter, New England India Pale Ale

General Information

Country
United Kingdom
Storage Stability
Good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
7.0 - 9.0%
Beta Acid
4.0 - 6.0%
Cohumulone
28.0 - 32.0%
Total Oil
1.5 - 2.5 ml/100g
Myrcene
40.0 - 50.0%
Humulene
15.0 - 20.0%
Caryophyllene
10.0 - 15.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
~0.6%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,600 - 2,000 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid to late season
Tolerant
Verticillium Wilt
Growth Rate
Very High / Vigorous
Cones
Medium-sized, moderately dense, and highly resinous. The cones are noted for their intense tropical
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; the bines are structurally tough and well-suited for mechanical picking and standard kiln
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium green
Side Arm Length
20" - 35" (medium to long)

Discovery Tags

Usage

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-19 14:56:09