The Rakau™ hop variety hails from New Zealand and has become a favorite among brewers looking for rich, expressive aromas. Originally bred for dual-purpose use, Rakau™ delivers both a solid bittering quality and an intensely aromatic profile. Its name means “tree, stick, timber, wood, spar, mast, plant” in Māori.
Rakau™ hops are known for their complex and fruity bouquet. You’ll often detect prominent apricot, fig and passionfruit notes, supported by subtle pine undertones. Because of this, Rakau™ hops are often used in beers that seek a juicy, expressive aroma with constructed bitterness. These hops also offer a stone fruit character that brings depth to hop-forward styles.
Brewers gravitate toward Rakau™ hops not just for their expressive aroma, but also for their performance in both kettle and dry hopping. The hop’s alpha acid content allows for effective bittering, yet it’s typically celebrated for its late-addition and dry-hop impact. Moreover, Rakau™ integrates well into IPAs, hazy styles, and even some saisons and pale ales.
Rakau™ hops are well-suited to a range of modern beer styles. Whether you’re crafting a hazy IPA or experimenting with fruit-forward hybrids, Rakau™ adds a fruitful core. The blend of apricot, passionfruit, and pine fits beautifully in beers that call for juicy complexity without overwhelming bitterness. Furthermore, it can work alongside other New Zealand varieties like Motueka™ or Nectaron® for a more layered aroma.
In summary, the Rakau™ hop offers brewers a bold, expressive tool for building tropical, resinous, and stone fruit-driven profiles. With careful use, this hop can elevate beers with a uniquely New Zealand signature that drinkers recognize and enjoy.
KVEIK-BRETT Mothership Brett Blend W/ Rakau Hops by Lupulin Brewing
Dry hopped ale fermented with Kveik and Brettanomyces. A balance of herbal & fruity notes with a light tropical funk.