FLAVOUR:
Rakau is bursting with a big fruit-forward character that is described by the NZ Hops as "the whole orchard". Rakau is a clean and efficient bittering hop at 10 - 11% AA, but it is usually used in later additions to maximize the fresh fruit aroma. Myrcene oil is the highlight and makes up 56% of the total oils, lending flavors and aromas of apricot, plum, mango, pear, guava and other stone fruits. Some lighter notes of lime and pine are also present. Stone Fruit, Passion Fruit, Citrus + Floral. Similar flavour profile to Citra.

HISTORY:
Rakau, or AlphAroma as it was previously known, was developed in New Zealand. Rakau features a high concentration of myrcene making it perfect to dry-hop American Pale Ales.

It was initially bred in the late 1970’s from Smooth Cone through open pollination but it was not released to the market until 1983. It was re-released under the new name in 2007.

GROWTH/YIELD:
Very strong grower with thick bines and large crops of hop cones.

BEER STYLES:
New World styles of ales and lagers where brash fruity character and big but well constructed bitterness is desired. Can be toned back to lighter styles, even with multiple kettle additions and great when used in a combination of late in the boil, whirlpool/steep and dry hopping. 
• PALE ALE & IPA • PILSNER • LAGER • HAZY IPA