Sticklebract Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 11.5 - 14.5%New Zealand
Flavor & aroma
Sticklebract is a foundational pillar of the New Zealand hop industry, a variety that defines the rugged and resinous side of Southern Hemisphere brewing. Released in 1972 by the DSIR Research Station, Sticklebract was the result of a critical breeding program designed to combat the Black Root Rot that devastated local crops in the 1960s.
Derived from the heritage variety First Choice, it was initially bred for high-alpha bittering efficiency. However, Sticklebract proved to be far more than a simple workhorse. It inherited a robust agricultural spirit and a complex chemical makeup that delivers a bold, unmistakable character. It remains an essential choice for brewers seeking a reliable, versatile hop that can anchor the bitterness of a heavy stout while providing the aromatic depth needed for modern, hop-forward ales.
If you can't find Sticklebract, the best alternatives are Bullion, Chinook, Galena, or Northern Brewer (DE).
At A Glance
| Profile | Pine Needle, Fresh Forest Floor, Citrus, Lemon Zest, Lime, Resinous, Earthy, Spicy |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 11.5 - 14.5% |
| Substitutes | Bullion, Chinook, Galena, Northern Brewer (DE) |
| Pairs with | Motueka™ (to brighten the citrus), Nelson Sauvin™ (to add tropical/wine complexity), Northern Brewer (to double down on the woody spice) |
| Beer Styles | India Pale Ale, Pale Ale, Porter, Stout, ESB, Strong Ale |
General Information
| Country | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Storage Stability | Maintains 60% - 70% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 11.5 - 14.5% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 7.5 - 8.5% |
| Cohumulone | 36.0 - 42.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.5 - 2.0 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 50.0 - 63.0% |
| Humulene | 15.0 - 20.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 8.0 - 12.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
| Linalool | 0.4 - 0.6% |
| Geraniol | ~0.2% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 1,800 - 2,200 lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Very late season |
| Resistant | Downy mildew (moderate) |
| Growth Rate | High |
| Cones | Medium to large, very dense, and heavily saturated with bright yellow lupulin |
| Ease of Harvest | Excellent; the bines are strong and the cones are structurally resilient, making them highly compati |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Medium-dark green |
| Side Arm Length | 24" - 40" |
- 2026-03-28 14:16:49