Nelson Sauvin Hop Profile

Hop lovers unite! Nelson Sauvin is in the house and with spring in full swing, this aromatic, wine-y hop will inspire some incredible light, fruity and drinkable beers.

Nelson Sauvin originates in New Zealand and it is named after the sauvignon blanc grape which is used in making white wine. The name is no coincidence as this hop imparts a white wine flavor that many describe as tropical with notes of passion fruit, tangerine, grapefruit and gooseberries.

Bred in 2000, this hop has become a favorite for brewers of American Pale Ales, IPAs and aroma-driven lagers. Its aromatic qualities promise a punch, but the hop delivers a smooth bitterness from its low cohumulone content (24%).

Nelson Sauvin is a triploid bred from a smoothcone variety. In recent years, the hop has occasionally been hard to find as the fruity, juicy IPA market has exploded and crop cycles can limit production.

Never fear, homebrewers, Nelson Sauvin is easy to find right now and it's primetime for cueing up a crisp, juicy summer beer. Whether you use this ingredient for an aromatic single-hop ale or in combination with other favorite hops, Nelson Sauvin is a hop lover's dream.

Try Nelson Sauvin in these beers:

Tasmanian Hatter by New Holland Brewing Company

In combination with Galaxy hops, Nelson Sauvin gives this IPA a bright, tropical profile that is aromatic and undeniably drinkable.

Eureka! by Treehouse Brewing Company

This single-hopped Blonde ale is a true session beer with a  delicate lemony, juicy flavor.

Fort Point Pale Ale by Trillium Brewing Company

This ale is dry hopped with Nelson Sauvin to produce an aromatic bouquet of lime zest, white peach and grape. A dry finish salutes the hop's namesake wine in this easy drinking pale ale.

'Merica by Prairie Artisan Ales

This single malt, single hop farmhouse ale uses brett strains and wine yeast to create a juicy profile with a hint of funk.