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Southern Aroma Hops
AromaAlpha 3.6 - 6.1%South Africa
Flavor & aroma
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.
If you can't find Southern Aroma, the best alternatives are Hallertau, Saaz, Southern Promise, or Tettnanger.
At A Glance
| Profile | Floral, Herbal, Fresh-Cut Wildflowers, Citrus, Sweet Hay, Woody, Cedar, Sandalwood, Earl Grey Tea, Lemon Peel |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 3.6 - 6.1% |
| Substitutes | Hallertau, Saaz, Southern Promise, Tettnanger |
| Pairs with | Hallertauer 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 Styles | Pilsner, 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" |
- 2026-04-01 15:55:04