Flavor and Aroma Characteristics of Riwaka Finishing Hops:

Riwaka hops, originating from New Zealand, are renowned for their vibrant and distinct flavor and aroma profile, making them a prized choice for craft brewers worldwide. When used in dry hopping, Riwaka imparts an exquisite burst of citrus and tropical fruit notes, prominently featuring grapefruit and passion fruit. This hop variety stands out with its intense aromatics that lean heavily towards a fresh, zesty character, often compared to the brightness of fresh citrus zest. These characteristics contribute to a lively and refreshing aroma that significantly enhances the sensory profile of the beer, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a hop with bold, fruity notes and an underlying crisp bitterness. Riwaka’s unique qualities make it an exceptional choice for brewers aiming to infuse their beers with a fresh, invigorating, and tropical hop finish.

Vacuum sealed in mylar bags for superior freshness and quality.

Vacuum-sealed mylar bags protect hops by blocking oxygen, light, and moisture — the three biggest threats to hop freshness. This ensures that the aromatic and flavour characteristics your hops remain as vibrant as the day they were packaged. For maximum longevity, it’s best to store vacuum-sealed hops in a freezer or firdge. Once opened store in airtight container. 🍻🌿

Suggested dosage rates for dry hopping:

Light Dry Hop (Subtle Aroma/Flavor)

- 1–2 g/L
- Total for 23L: 23g – 46g

Moderate Dry Hop (Balanced Aroma/Flavor)

- 3–5 g/L
- Total for 23L: 69g – 115g

Heavy Dry Hop (Bold, Punchy Aroma/Flavor)

- 6–10 g/L
- Total for 23L: 138g – 230g

Riwaka Hop Pallets go well with…

Riwaka hops are particularly well-suited for dry hopping in the following beer styles:

Pilsners: The vibrant citrus and tropical fruit notes of Riwaka can invigorate traditional Pilsners, adding a modern twist with a clean, refreshing finish that complements the crispness of this style.
New Zealand IPAs: In NZ IPAs, Riwaka hops are perfect for enhancing the beer’s bold hop profile without overpowering it, offering a burst of grapefruit and passion fruit that harmonizes with the typically robust hop character of these beers.
Blonde Ales: For Blonde Ales, a modest addition of Riwaka can introduce a lively tropical nuance, enhancing the light, approachable nature of the ale with subtle yet distinct fruitiness.
Saison: Utilizing Riwaka in Saison beers can add an interesting layer of complexity, with its fresh citrus and slight tropical notes complementing the spicy, fruity esters that are characteristic of this style.
American Pale Ale (APA): In APAs, the use of Riwaka can enrich the aromatic profile with its distinctive New Zealand hop character, adding a refreshing tropical twist that balances well with the malt backbone.

These pairings leverage Riwaka’s unique flavor profile to enhance various beer styles, bringing a distinctive Kiwi hop character that’s celebrated for its bright, fruit-forward aromas and flavors.

For enhanced flavour and aroma combinations Riwaka Hops pair well with…

Nelson Sauvin
- Why it Works: Nelson Sauvin brings bold gooseberry, white wine, and passionfruit notes that amplify Riwaka’s vibrant grapefruit, tangerine, and tropical fruit character. Together, they create a dynamic and intensely aromatic hop profile.
- Flavor Combo: A punchy mix of citrus zest, juicy passionfruit, and white wine-like complexity with a tropical backbone.
- Best For: Hazy IPAs, New England IPAs, Pale Ales, and Modern Lagers.
Motueka
- Why It Works: Motueka’s bright lime, lemon, and tropical sweetness balance Riwaka’s bold citrus and resinous intensity, creating a crisp and refreshing hop pairing.
- Flavour Combo: A lively fusion of grapefruit, lime zest, and passionfruit with hints of fresh-cut grass and floral undertones.
- Best For: Pilsners, Dry-Hopped Lagers, Pale Ales, and Hazy IPAs.