Pacific Gem (NZ)

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Pacific Gem is a New Zealand hops variety of interesting character. Bred at the New Zealand Horticultural Research Centre as a triploid cross between Smooth Cone, California Late Cluster and Fuggle, it is used around the world in various styles but most notably in European lagers. It was released in 1987.

Despite its high alpha acids its high cohumulone content makes its use as a bittering hop problematic. It can, and is, used as an early addition but is more well known for its aroma and flavor. When utilized as a late addition it can bring a delicate aroma character to the resulting beer that is smooth and oak-like with notes of blackberry.

Characteristics Notes of oak and blackberry
Purpose Bittering & Aroma
Alpha Acid Composition 13%-16%
Beta Acid Composition 7%-9%
Co-Humulone Composition 37%-40%
Country New Zealand
Cone Size Medium to large
Cone Density Compact
Seasonal Maturity Early to mid
Yield Amount 2380-2380 kg/hectare (2120-2120 lbs/acre)
Growth Rate High
Resistant to
Susceptible to
Storability Retains 70%-80% alpha acid after 6 months storage at 20ºC (68ºF)
Ease of Harvest Difficult
Total Oil Composition 1.2-1.4 mL/100g
Myrcene Oil Composition 33%-55%
Humulene Oil Composition 18%-30%
Caryophyllene Oil 7%-11%
Farnesene Oil 0%-1%
Substitutes Fuggle
Style Guide Strong Ale, European Lagers