Riwaka vs Nelson Sauvin: which hop to use

Data sheet

The two hops side by side on the numbers and aroma that decide it, and which to reach for.

Published hop data side by side

Origin	Riwaka: New Zealand · Nelson Sauvin: New Zealand
Riwaka alpha acid	4.5 to 6.5 %
Nelson Sauvin alpha acid	10 to 13 %
Riwaka total oil	high; very myrcene-dominant
Nelson Sauvin total oil	high; humulene-dominant
Riwaka myrcene	65 to 70 %
Nelson Sauvin myrcene	22 to 23 %
Riwaka aroma	Intense grapefruit and passion fruit with lime and a hint of diesel
Nelson Sauvin aroma	White grape, gooseberry and grapefruit with tropical fruit, likened to Sauvignon Blanc wine

Both are bold New Zealand hops, but Riwaka is an intense grapefruit-and-passion-fruit note while Nelson Sauvin is white grape and gooseberry.

Choose Riwaka for a pure, intense tropical-citrus punch when you can get it.

Choose Nelson Sauvin for the distinctive Sauvignon-Blanc grape character and better availability.