Pacific Gem Hops

Pacific Gem is a distinctive hop variety originating from New Zealand, developed by the New Zealand Horticultural Research Centre. This unique hop is a triploid cross between the New Zealand Smoothcone variety, a selected California Late Cluster and Fuggle hybrid. Released in 1987, Pacific Gem has quickly gained a reputation among homebrewers and professional brewers alike for its strong bittering properties, versatile flavor profile, and aromatic characteristics.

The flavor profile of Pacific Gem hops is characterized by a delightful combination of sweet, fruity notes reminiscent of blackberries and a subtle hint of oak, which imparts a pleasant woodiness to the beer. Its high alpha acid content, typically ranging between 13-16%, makes it an excellent choice for bittering applications in various beer styles. Pacific Gem is particularly well-suited for brewing English-style ales, porters, and stouts, where its unique flavor and aroma can truly shine. However, it is also versatile enough to be used in American IPAs, lagers, and even some Belgian-style beers. As a homebrewer, experimenting with Pacific Gem hops can add depth and complexity to your beer, setting it apart from more traditional hop varieties.