Sticklebract Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Sticklebract, the best alternatives are Bullion, Chinook, Galena, or Northern Brewer (GR).

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 (GR)
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"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Citrus Earthy Lemon Zest Lime Pine Resinous Spicy
Variety Name
Bullion Chinook First Choice Galena Motueka Nelson Sauvin Northern Brewer
Beer Style
Esb India Pale Ale Pale Ale Porter Stout Strong Ale
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
New Zealand
Last Updated
  • 2026-03-28 08:16:49
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

  • #Pine (West Coast Classic)

    Kick off the weekend with a classic. Think forest floors and fresh resin. These hops provide that iconic, "crispy" evergreen aroma that defined the original American IPA. Explore #Pine 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.