NZ Pacific Jade™
Hop Variety Characteristics and Specifications

NZ Pacific Jade™

Exploring the NZ Pacific Jade™ Hop Variety

The NZ Pacific Jade™ hop is a standout variety developed in New Zealand, bred for its robust character and brewing reliability. It was released by New Zealand’s Hort Research Centre and crafted from a blend of First Choice and an open pollination of an Old Line Saazer. Since its introduction, this hop has gained a loyal following among brewers worldwide.

Origins and Breeding of NZ Pacific Jade® Hops

Developed to thrive in New Zealand’s growing conditions, NZ Pacific Jade™ hops are known for their durability and consistent yields. Bred for resistance and late harvest capability, it provides growers with practical benefits beyond its appealing brewing profile. Although technically a bittering hop due to its higher alpha acid content, it contributes a surprisingly balanced sensory experience in the kettle and beyond.

Brewing with NZ Pacific Jade™ Hops

Despite its classification as a bittering hop, NZ Pacific Jade™ hops it is also popular as a dual purpose hop. It delivers much more to a brew than just clean bitterness.  For brewers seeking a touch of herbal, lemon, black pepper spice without overwhelming the base beer, NZ Pacific Jade™ offers a well-integrated option.

Moreover, its citrus character can uplift both traditional and modern styles, making it versatile. Many craft brewers turn to this hop when designing balanced beers that don’t overpower the palate.

Why Choose NZ Pacific Jade™ Hops?

Brewers appreciate NZ Pacific Jade™ hops for their efficiency, aroma, and brewing versatility. They’re easy to work with and yield consistent results. Because they offer both bittering strength and aromatic depth, they suit a wide range of brewing applications. It’s typically used to replace less interesting Alpha varieties where a softer bitterness and higher oil profile is desired. NZ Pacific Jade™ exemplifies current market direction and what is being achieved in the New Zealand Hops breeding programme.

Beers Containing NZ Pacific Jade™ Hops

Maelstrom by Oakham Ales

Featuring a trio of the finest New Zealand sourced hop varieties, expect a whirlpool of citrus and turbulent tropical fruit flavours in this rich, full bodied Cask Aged IPA.

First brewed in 2019, Maelstrom storms back onto Oakham Ale’s 2025 cask aged list by popular demand.