Hop Pellets Nelson Sauvin

Nelson Sauvin is New Zealand's most distinctive hop, famous for a bold white wine character that recalls Sauvignon Blanc, gooseberry and crushed grape. It is a high-alpha, dual-purpose pellet unlike anything else, and a little goes a long way.

Best suited to

• New Zealand IPA and pale ale
• Hazy IPA
• New Zealand pilsner
• Saison and Belgian ales
• Fruit-forward ales

Typical specs (vary by harvest, check the pack)

• Variety / origin: Nelson Sauvin, New Zealand
• Form: T-90 pellets
• Purpose: Dual purpose (shines as aroma and flavour)
• Alpha acid: typically 11-13%
• Beta acid: typically 6-8%
• Co-humulone: typically 24-26% of alpha
• Total oil: typically 0.8-1.2 mL/100g
• Character: white wine, gooseberry, grape, citrus

When to choose this over alternatives

Nelson Sauvin has no real substitute, it is in a category of its own. Where Galaxy and Citra push tropical fruit, Nelson brings a vinous, white wine and gooseberry character that is unmistakable. It is powerful and can dominate, so many brewers blend it to soften the edge, pairing it with Motueka for a full Kiwi bill or with Galaxy and Citra to add a fruity counterpoint. Run it single-hopped only if you love that grapey, Sauvignon Blanc punch.

Practical notes

Nelson is intense, so start conservatively and build up on later batches. Keep most of it for the whirlpool and dry hop where the white wine character sings, and use only a small early charge for bittering since the alpha is high. For an IPA, 20 to 40g of dry hops is plenty to start, as it punches above its weight. Store cold and sealed, push the air out, and use within 12 months of opening.

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team - June 2026