Motueka Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 6.5 - 7.5%New Zealand

Motueka is a captivating New Zealand variety that represents a perfect bridge between Old World tradition and New World vibrancy. Originally developed by Plant & Food Research under the name "B Saaz," this triploid aroma hop was created by crossing the legendary Czech Saaz with a proprietary New Zealand breeding line. The result is a hop that possesses the refined, spicy structural integrity of a Noble hop, yet explodes with the zesty, tropical intensity characteristic of the Nelson and Tasman growing regions. This unique genetic makeup makes Motueka an indispensable dual-purpose tool, equally capable of providing a modern twist on a classic pilsner or adding a bright citrus "lift" to a hazy IPA.

The sensory profile of Motueka is a vivid and refreshing arrangement of bright citrus and crushed tropical herbs. It leads with a primary, "zesty" bouquet of fresh lime zest, lemon balm, and mojito mint, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of sweet basil, floral honey, and a hint of green apple. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant "Noble" earthiness and a subtle peppery snap that remains exceptionally clean on the palate. Thanks to its balanced oil composition and high farnesene levels, Motueka delivers a soft, integrated bitterness and a crisp, effervescent finish—the definitive choice for imparting a sense of sun-drenched New Zealand brightness.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Motueka, the best alternatives are Riwaka, Saaz, or Sterling.

At A Glance

ProfileLime Zest, Lemon Balm, Mojito Mint, Sweet Basil, Floral Honey, Green Apple, Earthiness, Pepper
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid6.5 - 7.5%
SubstitutesRiwaka, Saaz, Sterling
Pairs withCitra® (to push the lime into a tropical juice profile), Nelson Sauvin (to create the quintessential NZ duo), Saaz (to reinforce the peppery/traditional pilsner foundation)
Beer StylesPilsner (NZ Style), Saison, Witbier, Northeast India Pale Ale, Tropical Lager

General Information

Country
New Zealand
Alias
B Saaz
Storage Stability
Retains 75% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
6.5 - 7.5%
Beta Acid
5.0 - 5.5%
Cohumulone
28.0 - 30.0%
Total Oil
0.8 - 1.2 mg/100g
Myrcene
45.0 - 50.0%
Humulene
13.0 - 16.0%
Caryophyllene
2.0 - 5.0%
Farnesene
10.0 - 14.0%
Linalool
0.8 - 1.2%
B-Pinene
0.3 - 0.5%
Geraniol
~0.2%
Selinene
0.5 - 1.5%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,400 - 1,700 lbs/acre
Maturity
Early to Mid Season
Growth Rate
High / Vigorous
Cones
Medium-sized, oval, and moderately dense. The cones are noted for their high lupulin density and a d
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; specifically bred for commercial efficiency, the bines are structurally strong, and the c
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium Green
Side Arm Length
15" - 25" (medium)

Motueka Aroma/Flavor Profile

Aroma
Flavor
CitrusTropical FruitStone FruitApple/PearMelonBerryFloralSpicy/HerbalPineResinGrassEarthy/WoodyOnion/GarlicDank/Catty

Discovery Tags

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-26 14:53:52