Southern Aroma Hops

AromaAlpha 3.6 - 6.1%South Africa

Southern Aroma is a premier variety representing the pinnacle of refined "Noble" style breeding in the Southern Hemisphere. Developed by the South African Breweries program, it is a diploid seedling resulting from a cross between Saaz and Hallertau Mittelfrüh, giving it a classic European soul with a unique fruity twist. Specifically selected for its ability to flourish under the short-day light cycles of the Western Cape, Southern Aroma provides a polished, continental character that remains clean and balanced, making it a boutique favorite for brewers seeking incredible aromatic finesse.

The sensory profile is a masterclass in floral and herbal elegance, defined by a "perfumed" quality. It leads with a primary bouquet of fresh-cut wildflowers, chamomile, and sweet hay, followed by sophisticated woody notes of cedar and sandalwood. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle undertones of Earl Grey tea and a soft citrus brightness reminiscent of lemon peel. With its exceptionally low cohumulone levels, Southern Aroma delivers a remarkably smooth, velvety bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for elevating delicate lagers and Belgian-style ales.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Southern Aroma, the best alternatives are Hallertau, Saaz, Southern Promise, or Tettnanger.

At A Glance

ProfileFloral, Herbal, Fresh-Cut Wildflowers, Citrus, Sweet Hay, Woody, Cedar, Sandalwood, Earl Grey Tea, Lemon Peel
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid3.6 - 6.1%
SubstitutesHallertau, Saaz, Southern Promise, Tettnanger
Pairs withHallertauer Tradition (for a clean and integrated European profile), Saaz (to double down on the spicy finish), Southern Promise (to ground the florals with earthiness)
Beer StylesPilsner, Helles, Witbier, Saison, Blonde Ale, English Bitter

General Information

Country
South Africa
Storage Stability
Retains 80% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
3.6 - 6.1%
Beta Acid
3.5 - 5.0%
Cohumulone
18.0 - 22.0%
Total Oil
0.6 - 1.2 ml/100g
Myrcene
25.0 - 35.0%
Humulene
30.0 - 40.0%
Caryophyllene
8.0 - 12.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
0.5 - 0.8%
Geraniol
~0.2%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,500 - 1,800 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid to late season
Resistant
Downy Mildew (high)
Tolerant
Heat
Growth Rate
High
Cones
Small to medium-sized, oval-shaped, and relatively compact with a very clean lupulin color
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; specifically selected for its suitability for modern mechanical picking and low cone-shat
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium green
Side Arm Length
15" - 25"

Discovery Tags

Usage

Breeding/Supplier

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-01 15:55:04