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Motueka™ Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 6.5 - 7.5%New Zealand
Flavor & aroma
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.
If you can't find Motueka, the best alternatives are Riwaka™, Saaz, or Sterling.
At A Glance
| Profile | Lime Zest, Lemon Balm, Mojito Mint, Sweet Basil, Floral Honey, Green Apple, Earthiness, Pepper |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 6.5 - 7.5% |
| Substitutes | Riwaka™, Saaz, Sterling |
| Pairs with | Citra® (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 Styles | Pilsner (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
- 2026-04-26 14:53:52