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Pacific Gem™ Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 13.0 - 15.0%New Zealand
Flavor & aroma
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.
If you can't find Pacific Gem, the best alternatives are Cluster, Galena, Magnum, or Pacific Jade™.
At A Glance
| Profile | Forest Fruits, Herbal Spice, Crushed Blackberries, Blackcurrants, Oak, Pine Resin, Dark Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 13.0 - 15.0% |
| Substitutes | Cluster, Galena, Magnum, Pacific Jade™ |
| Pairs with | Fuggle (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 Styles | India 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) |
- 2026-04-16 01:20:19