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 |