Olicana® Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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

Profile Tropical Fruit, Bright Citrus, Ripe Mango, Crushed Pineapple, Passionfruit, Grapefruit Zest, Floral Honey, Herbal Freshness, Stone Fruit
Purpose Aroma
Alpha Acid 7.0 - 9.0%
Substitutes Amarillo®, Cascade, Chinook, Nelson Sauvin™
Pairs with Citra® (to create an unstoppable tropical fruit powerhouse), Harlequin® (to push the passionfruit notes further), Jester™ (to amplify the blackcurrant and grapefruit)
Beer Styles Pale 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

Flavor/Aroma
Citrus Floral Honey Grapefruit Zest Herbal Mango Passionfruit Pineapple Stone Fruit Tropical Fruit
Variety Name
Amarillo Cascade Chinook Citra Harlequin Jester Nelson Sauvin
Beer Style
Golden Ale India Pale Ale Modern Bitter New England India Pale Ale Pale Ale
Usage
Aroma
Origin
United Kingdom
Breeding/Supplier
Charles Faram
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-19 08:56:09
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

  • #Tropical-Fruit (Vacation in a Glass)

    Mid-week escape. Looking for massive notes of mango, pineapple, or passionfruit? These hops are the stars of hazy pales and juicy NEIPAs. Explore #Tropical-Fruit 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.