Purple Haze® Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Purple Haze® is a visionary variety bred by Wild About Hops, representing a sophisticated evolution of elite Southern Hemisphere and European genetics. This unique cultivar was born from a cross between a Riwaka™ female and a Nelson Sauvin™ male, carrying a distinguished Saaz grandparentage. Its name is derived from the striking, deep purple hue of the bines it grows on, a visual testament to its distinct identity in the hop garden. While it possesses the resilience of modern breeding, its soft bitterness and Noble heritage make it an ideal "Special Flavor" choice for brewers looking to move beyond standard citrus profiles toward deep, berry-forward complexity.

The sensory profile of Purple Haze® is an evocative and unique arrangement of sweet berries and delicate floral notes. It leads with a primary, "vibrant" bouquet of red currant, ripe blackberry, and wild strawberry, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of lavender and violet. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle hints of herbal tea and a very soft, rounded earthiness inherited from its Saaz ancestors. Thanks to its low cohumulone levels and refined oil composition, Purple Haze® delivers a gentle, clean bitterness and a crisp, fruit-focused finish, making it the definitive choice for imparting an elegant "purple" fruit impact.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Purple Haze, the best alternatives are Barbe Rouge, Bramling Cross, Enigma™, or Huell Melon.

At A Glance

Profile Sweet Berries, Delicate Floral, Red Currant, Ripe Blackberry, Wild Strawberry, Lavender, Violet, Herbal, Tea, Earthy
Purpose Aroma
Alpha Acid 3.0 - 5.0%
Substitutes Barbe Rouge, Bramling Cross, Enigma™, Huell Melon
Pairs with Belma® (to amplify the strawberry notes), Huell Melon (to add a honeydew sweetness), Mandarina Bavaria (for a citrus-berry blend)
Beer Styles Fruit Beer, Sour Ale, Hazy India Pale Ale, Belgian Wit, Wheat Beer

General Information

Country New Zealand
Storage Stability
Good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 3.0 - 5.0%
Beta Acid 3.0 - 5.0%
Cohumulone 15.0 - 20.0%
Total Oil 1.0 - 1.8 ml/100g
Myrcene 25.0 - 40.0%
Humulene 20.0 - 30.0%
Caryophyllene 8.0 - 12.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool 0.6 - 1.0%
Geraniol 0.4 - 0.8%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,500 - 1,800 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid to late season
Resistant Powdery Mildew (high), Downy Mildew (high)
Growth Rate High
Cones Medium-sized, oval, and moderately dense. They are notable for their high lupulin saturation and a p
Ease of Harvest Excellent; the bines are structurally sound and the variety is well-suited for high-speed mechanical
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium green
Side Arm Length 15" - 25"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Berry Blackberry Earthy Floral Herbal Lavender Red Currant Strawberry Tea Violet
Variety Name
Barbe Rouge Belma Bramling Cross Enigma Huell Melon Mandarina Bavaria Nelson Sauvin Riwaka Saaz
Beer Style
Belgian Wit Fruit Beer Hazy India Pale Ale Sour Ale Wheat Beer
Usage
Aroma
Origin
New Zealand
Breeding/Supplier
Wild About Hops
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-08 14:01:56
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

  • #Stone-Fruit (Orchard Vibe)

    Saturday is for smooth sipping. From fuzzy peach to ripe apricot, these hops add a soft, rounded sweetness to the aroma of Pale Ales and Sours. Explore #Stone-Fruit 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.