Riwaka
Intensely fragrant, supply-constrained NZ stunner.
What it tastes like
Riwaka is the most expressive of the NZ hop family — passionfruit, grapefruit, lime zest, almost saturated tropical fruit. Production is limited and it's one of the hardest hops to source globally. Beers featuring Riwaka in any meaningful quantity tend to sell out fast.
Best in these styles
Tasting Tip
If you see Riwaka on a tap list or can label, buy it. Production is constrained and fresh Riwaka beer is genuinely rare.Beers showcasing Riwaka
Specific beer examples coming soon.
Substitutes & relatives
If you can't source Riwaka, these hops bring overlapping character.
For brewers — technical profile
Alpha Acid
5–7%
Beta Acid
4–5%
Total Oil
0.8–1.2 mL/100g
Oil composition
myrcene
65-70%
humulene
5-8%
caryophyllene
3-5%
farnesene
<1%
History
Released by the NZ Plant & Food Research Institute in 1997. Originally called New Zealand D-Saaz.