Pacific Gem Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 13.0 - 15.0%New Zealand

Pacific Gem is an imposing high-alpha variety that serves as the structural cornerstone of many legendary New Zealand brews. Released in 1987 by the HortResearch Institute, it was engineered as a triploid cross of Fuggle, Cluster, and Smoothcone. This robust lineage created a hop optimized for maximum bittering efficiency without sacrificing the distinctive aromatic character that sets New Zealand varieties apart. Pacific Gem™ is a bold, "no-nonsense" hop, offering growers exceptional yields and providing brewers with a deep, resonant bitterness that can stand up to even the heaviest malt bills while contributing a sophisticated dark fruit complexity.

The sensory profile of Pacific Gem is a striking and assertive blend of forest fruits and classic herbal spice. It leads with a primary, "dark" bouquet of crushed blackberries, blackcurrants, and oak, followed by a vibrant secondary layer of pine resin and earthy spice. As the profile develops, brewers will find a distinct "savory" depth and a hint of dark chocolate that provides a rich, substantial finish. Thanks to its high alpha acid content and significant oil saturation, Pacific Gem delivers a punchy, lingering bitterness and a saturated aromatic presence. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a sturdy foundation with a unique, berry-forward twist.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Pacific Gem, the best alternatives are Cluster, Galena, Magnum, or Pacific Jade.

At A Glance

ProfileForest Fruits, Herbal Spice, Crushed Blackberries, Blackcurrants, Oak, Pine Resin, Dark Chocolate
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid13.0 - 15.0%
SubstitutesCluster, Galena, Magnum, Pacific Jade
Pairs withFuggle (to deepen the earthy, Motueka (to add a bright citrus lift to the heavy berry base), Nelson Sauvin (to bridge the gap between dark fruit and white wine notes), woodsy complexity)
Beer StylesIndia Pale Ale, Stout, Porter, Barleywine, Strong Ale, European Lager

General Information

Country
New Zealand
Storage Stability
Retains 70% - 80% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
13.0 - 15.0%
Beta Acid
7.0 - 9.0%
Cohumulone
37.0 - 40.0%
Total Oil
2.0 - 2.5 ml/100g
Myrcene
35.0 - 40.0%
Humulene
25.0 - 30.0%
Caryophyllene
10.0 - 12.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
2,000 - 2,400 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid to late season
Growth Rate
Very High / Vigorous
Cones
Large, dense, and heavily laden with golden lupulin. The cones are noted for their pungency and a di
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; the bines are structurally very strong, making them ideal for high-speed mechanical picki
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Dark green
Side Arm Length
25" - 40" (long)

Discovery Tags

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-16 01:20:19