Sunbeam Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Sunbeam is a rare and visually stunning variety that bridges the gap between high-end brewing and ornamental horticulture. Developed by the legendary Dr. Al Haunold in 1990 at the United States Department of Agriculture experimental "East Farm" in Corvallis, Oregon, Sunbeam is a sophisticated cross between the prestigious Saaz and an open-pollinated seedling of the yellow-leafed Sunshine variety.

This diploid plant is instantly recognizable for its brilliant, neon-yellow foliage. However, this beauty comes with a catch: due to reduced chlorophyll content, Sunbeam is uniquely sensitive to intense sunlight. To prevent the leaves from shriveling or browning, it thrives best in semi-shade—making it a favorite for "estate" hop growers and homebrewers with diverse garden microclimates. While never intended for massive commercial production, it remains a prized "functional ornamental" for its authentic European soul and its status as a unique piece of American hop history.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Sunbeam, the best alternatives are Crystal, Saaz, Sterling, or Sunshine.

At A Glance

Profile Fresh Spring Flowers, Sweet Hay, Spicy, Herbal, Earthy, Lemon, White Pepper
Purpose Aroma
Alpha Acid 4.0 - 5.0%
Substitutes Crystal, Saaz, Sterling, Sunshine
Pairs with Liberty (to maintain a soft and floral profile), Saaz (to amplify the spice), Sterling (for a bit more herbal punch)
Beer Styles Light Lager, Pilsner, Belgian Witbier, Blonde Ale

General Information

Country United States
Alias USDA 21108
Storage Stability
Retains 50% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 4.0 - 5.0%
Beta Acid 3.3 - 4.5%
Cohumulone 13.0 - 18.0%
Total Oil 0.6 - 1.6 ml/100g
Myrcene 35.0 - 50.0%
Humulene 25.0 - 35.0%
Caryophyllene 6.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene 5.0 - 10.0%
Linalool 0.3 - 0.5%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 800 - 1,200 lbs/acre
Maturity Medium early
Resistant Downy mildew (moderate), Verticillium wilt (moderate)
Growth Rate Moderate
Cones Small to medium, often taking on a lighter, lime-green hue compared to traditional hops
Ease of Harvest Good; the bines are manageable and the cones are relatively firm
Sex Female
Leaf Color Lemon yellow with reddish-brown stems
Side Arm Length 12" - 20"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Earthy Floral Hay Herbal Lemon Spicy White Pepper
Variety Name
Crystal Liberty Saaz Sterling Sunshine
Beer Style
Belgian Witbier Blonde Ale Light Lager Pilsner
Usage
Aroma
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
United States Department Of Agriculture
Last Updated
  • 2026-03-25 17:20:46
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

  • #Noble (Classics)

    Back to the roots. European "Noble" hops are the elegant, low-bitterness varieties that defined Pilsners and Lagers for centuries. Explore the spicy, floral heritage of the Old World. Explore #Noble 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.