Orbit™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Orbit™ is a masterful aromatic tapestry that celebrates the diversity and innovation of the New Zealand hop industry. Developed as a proprietary blend by New Zealand Hops Ltd. and Plant & Food Research, Orbit™ was born from the prestigious "Hops with a Difference" breeding program. Unlike single-variety hops, Orbit™ is a dynamic selection that changes every year, utilizing secret experimental varieties to showcase the unique terroir of the Tasman region. This ever-evolving nature means that while the specific acid and oil compositions shift with each harvest, the blend consistently captures the vibrant, "New World" spirit of New Zealand brewing. It is an exceptionally versatile choice, favored by brewers who want to achieve a complex, multi-layered character in a single addition.

The sensory profile of Orbit™ is a vivid and refreshing journey through fruit-forward landscapes. It leads with a primary, "sun-drenched" bouquet of zesty lime, dried apricot, and white grape, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of sweet floral nectar and soft herbal spice. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant, clean bitterness and a subtle hint of blackcurrant that remains incredibly smooth on the palate. Because Orbit™ is crafted primarily for its aroma and flavor potential, it delivers a saturated aromatic presence and a crisp finish. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a sophisticated, modern depth for everything from contemporary pilsners to experimental ales.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Orbit, the best alternatives are Cascade, Motueka™, or Nelson Sauvin™.

At A Glance

Profile Lime Zest, Dried Apricot, White Grape, Floral Nectar, Herbal Spice, Blackcurrant
Purpose Aroma
Alpha Acid 4.0 - 6.0%
Substitutes Cascade, Motueka™, Nelson Sauvin™
Pairs with Motueka™ (to sharpen the lime and citrus), Nelson Sauvin™ (to amplify the wine-like fruit), Pacifica™ (to deepen the orange-marmalade complexity)
Beer Styles Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Pilsner, Saison, Wheat Beer

General Information

Country New Zealand

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 4.0 - 6.0%
Beta Acid 4.0 - 6.0%
Cohumulone 24.0 - 26.0%
Total Oil 0.8 - 1.2 ml/100g
Myrcene 35.0 - 45.0%
Humulene 15.0 - 20.0%
Caryophyllene 6.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene 5.0 - 7.0%
Linalool ~0.5%

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Apricot Blackcurrant Floral Herbal Lime Zest Spicy White Grape
Variety Name
Cascade Motueka Nelson Sauvin Pacifica
Beer Style
India Pale Ale Pale Ale Pilsner Saison Wheat Beer
Usage
Aroma
Origin
New Zealand
Breeding/Supplier
Plant & Food Research
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-16 21:46:36
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

  • #Floral (The Delicate Finish)

    A mellow Sunday pour. From jasmine to dried rose petals, floral hops provide a sophisticated aroma without overpowering the palate. Perfect for delicate Belgian styles. Explore #Floral Hops!
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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.