Topaz™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Topaz™ is a premier Australian dual-purpose variety that perfectly captures the bold, experimental spirit of Southern Hemisphere brewing. Developed in 1985 by Hop Products Australia and released in 1997, it was born from a cross between high-alpha Australian hops and genetics from Wye College in the United Kingdom.

Originally, Topaz™ was a utilitarian variety, selected almost exclusively for high-alpha acid extract production. However, as the craft revolution took hold, brewers discovered a hidden secret: when treated with the respect of a late-addition hop, Topaz sheds its "workhorse" reputation to reveal a complex tapestry of exotic fruit. It is now celebrated as a dual-purpose powerhouse, providing the structural muscle needed for high-gravity brews and the vibrant aromatics required for modern, fruit-driven ales.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Topaz, the best alternatives are Amarillo®, Cascade, Citra®, Galaxy™, Rakau™, or Riwaka™.

At A Glance

Profile Resinous, Dank, Tropical Fruit, Lychee, Clove, Spicy, Passion Fruit, Earthy, Tobacco, Pine
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 13.7 - 18.0%
Substitutes Amarillo®, Cascade, Citra®, Galaxy™, Rakau™, Riwaka™
Pairs with Centennial (to bridge the gap between earthy resin and citrus), Galaxy™ (to maximize tropical intensity), Vic Secret™ (for a cleaner pineapple finish)
Beer Styles India Pale Ale, Imperial India Pale Ale, Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Stout

General Information

Country Australia
Alias TC-85-70
Storage Stability
Retains 75% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 13.7 - 18.0%
Beta Acid 6.0 - 7.9%
Cohumulone 48.0 - 51.0%
Total Oil 1.7 - 2.2 ml/100g
Myrcene 55.0 - 55.0%
Humulene 8.0 - 13.0%
Caryophyllene 7.0 - 13.0%
Farnesene 1.0%
Linalool 0.3 - 0.8%
Geraniol 0.2 - 0.5%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 3,400 - 3,750 lbs/acre
Maturity Late season
Growth Rate Very high
Cones Large, very dense
Ease of Harvest Good; bines are extremely tough and cones hold together well
Sex Female (Triploid)
Leaf Color Medium to dark green
Side Arm Length 24" - 35"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Clove Dank Earthy Lychee Passion Fruit Pine Resinous Spicy Tobacco Tropical Fruit
Variety Name
Amarillo Cascade Centennial Citra Galaxy Rakau Riwaka Vic Secret
Beer Style
Amber Ale Imperial India Pale Ale India Pale Ale Pale Ale Stout
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
Australia
Breeding/Supplier
Hop Products Australia
Last Updated
  • 2026-03-03 19:11:15
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.