Motueka Hop Pellets
Motueka Hops are a cross between a New Zealand breeding hop and Saaz, creating a versatile hop that blends noble European hop character with lime-forward citrus. It's a fun choice in modern lagers, hop-forward ales, and New World Belgian-style beers.
Motueka distinguishes itself as a favorite with its signature key lime and lemon-lime aroma, with subtle flavors of tropical fruit, basil, and spice. Motueka is great for late additions and dry hopping in American Pale Ales, Blonde Ales, and Wheat Beers. It's also a secret weapon in hop-forward lagers.
Technical Details:
- Alpha Acids: 6.5% – 8.5%
- Beta Acids: 5.0% – 6.5%
- Total Oils: 0.6 – 1.1 mL/100g
- Usage: Dual-purpose (aroma & flavor)
- Substitutes: Saaz (for noble character), Nelson Sauvin (for New Zealand flair)
- Ideal For: Blonde Ales, Wheat Beers, American Pale Ales, lagers
- Country of Origin: New Zealand
Motueka Hops FAQ
What does Motueka taste like?
Expect vibrant key lime, lemon zest, and tropical notes. Motueka is especially aromatic and shines in lighter styles or beers where citrus character is key.
Is Motueka a good dry hop?
Absolutely. Dry hopping with Motueka imparts bright citrus-lime character without grassy or overly herbal notes, making it ideal for wheat styles, summer ales, and lagers.
What styles benefit from Motueka?
Use Motueka in Blonde Ales, Wheat Beers, and hop-forward lagers to enhance citrus and herbal complexity.
Is Motueka a bittering hop?
It can be used for bittering in a pinch, but its best qualities emerge in the aroma and flavor stages. Pair with clean bittering hops like Magnum for balance.
Where does the name Motueka come from?
Motueka is named after a town on New Zealand’s South Island near Nelson, the country’s key hop-growing region. It reflects the hop’s local heritage and tropical character.
