Pacific Gem™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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

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 woodsy complexity), 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)
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)

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Blackberry Blackcurrant Dark Chocolate Herbal Oak Pine Resin Spicy
Variety Name
Cluster Fuggle Galena Magnum Motueka Nelson Sauvin Pacific Jade Smoothcone
Beer Style
Barleywine European Lager India Pale Ale Porter Stout Strong Ale
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
New Zealand
Breeding/Supplier
Hortresearch
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-15 19:20:19
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

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  • 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.