Description
Riwaka T90 Hop Pellets are a highly expressive New Zealand aroma hop renowned for their intense citrus and tropical fruit character. Developed from Saaz parentage, Riwaka combines noble hop heritage with the bold aroma characteristics associated with modern New Zealand hops.
Its powerful citrus character makes Riwaka particularly effective in hop-forward beers, while its Saaz heritage also allows it to work beautifully in modern Pilsners and lagers. Even relatively small additions can contribute a distinctive New Zealand hop character.
Aroma & Flavour
Riwaka can contribute:
- Grapefruit
- Citrus
- Passion fruit
- Tropical fruit
- Fresh lime
- Floral notes
Its intense citrus and fruit profile makes Riwaka an excellent choice when a bright, expressive hop aroma is required.
Brewing with Riwaka Hops
Riwaka is primarily valued as an aroma hop and performs particularly well in late-boil, whirlpool and dry hop additions. These additions help preserve and showcase its intense citrus, grapefruit and tropical fruit character.
It can be used as a feature hop in single-hop beers or combined with other New Zealand varieties to create layered citrus and tropical fruit profiles. Its Saaz heritage also makes it an excellent option for modern New Zealand Pilsners and other hop-forward lagers.
For additional variety specifications and brewing information, visit NZ Hops.
Suitable Beer Styles
Riwaka is well suited to:
- New Zealand IPA
- IPA
- Pale Ale
- Hazy IPA
- New Zealand Pilsner
- Pilsner
- Lager
- Modern hop-forward ales
Hop Substitutes
Riwaka has a distinctive and intense citrus character, so there is no exact substitute. However, Motueka, Nelson Sauvin or Nectaron may be considered when another expressive New Zealand aroma hop is required.
Each hop has its own flavour profile and alpha acid level. Therefore, adjust your recipe and hop quantities as required when making a substitution.
Current Batch
Crop Year: 2025
Alpha Acid: 5.7%
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Producer: NZ Hops
Pellet Type: T90
Hop Use: Aroma
Pack Sizes: 100 g / 250 g / 500 g
Alpha acid levels can vary between crops and batches. Therefore, always use the alpha acid percentage shown on your current pack when calculating bitterness.
Explore our complete T90 Hop Pellets range for more hop varieties for bittering, flavour, aroma and dry hopping.
