FLAVOUR:
The Nelson Sauvin hop variety has gained popularity in American-style India Pale Ales but is definitely a hop that requires prudent and discerning application in brewing. Nelson Sauvin’s oil profile is complex and fortunately works well as an aroma hop, flavor hop and also for bittering. Low cohumulone is responsible for its smooth bittering qualities. Nelson Sauvin is described as fruity; showing possible notes of lychee, mango, apricot, with a unique white wine character of crushed gooseberry / green grape. May be mildly peppery.
HISTORY:
Nelson Sauvin’s name is derived from the Sauvignon Blanc wine grape to which many agree has similar flavor and aroma characteristics. Developed in New Zealand and released in 2000, it is considered too wild for many major brewers. Despite this, Nelson Sauvin has found significant use among craft breweries and home brewers for its eccentric characteristics. It is descended from Smoothcone.
GROWTH/YIELD:
Very strong grower with thick bines and large crops of large cones. Bees, as in the picture above, are not really attracted to hops per se but they sometimes do land on them in March to get the lupulin which kills a pest called Varroa mite that can destroy a hive if left unattended. Beekeepers can add cardboard strips soaked in lupulin to add to the effectiveness.
BEER STYLES:
• PALE ALE & IPA
• HAZY IPA
