Wakatu Hops: A Hoppy Adventure for Lazy Brewers

Reading Time: around 10 min

Wakatu hops are the cool kid on the block in the brewing world. These New Zealand-born beauties pack a punch with their unique flavor profile.

Wakatu hops shine in Belgian Ales, Lagers, Pale Ales, and Pilsners.

You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal?” Well, imagine sipping a beer that hits you with floral notes and a hint of citrus. That’s Wakatu for you. It’s like a garden party in your mouth, with a surprise guest appearance by a lime.

Want to impress your beer-loving buddies? Drop some Wakatu knowledge on them. Tell them it’s a cross between Hallertau Mittelfrüh and a mystery New Zealand hop. They’ll think you’re a hop wizard. Just don’t let it go to your head.

Remember, with great hop knowledge comes great responsibility.

Key Takeaways

Wakatu hops add floral, spicy, herbal and citrus notes to beer
They work great in Belgian Ales, Lagers, Pale Ales, and Pilsners
Wakatu is a unique New Zealand hop with Hallertau Mittelfrüh roots

The Origins of Wakatu Hops

Wakatu hops have a rich history rooted in New Zealand’s hop breeding efforts. These unique hops blend European and Kiwi influences, creating a flavor profile that’ll make your taste buds dance.

A Hop from the Land of the Long White Cloud

Ever wondered where your beer’s zesty kick comes from? Look no further than New Zealand, the birthplace of Wakatu hops. Back in 1988, some clever folks at HortResearch decided to play matchmaker with hops.

They took a female Hallertau Mittelfrüh hop and…

…paired it with a hunky New Zealand male hop.

The result? A hop child with the best of both worlds!

Wakatu started life with a less catchy name – Hallertau Aroma. But in 2011, it got a cool rebrand. Now it proudly bears a name that reflects its Kiwi roots. These hops are harvested from late February to early April, just in time for your autumn brews.

Wakatu & Its Maori Heritage

You might be wondering about that funky name. Well, Wakatu isn’t just a random collection of letters – it’s got some serious cultural cred. The name comes from Whakatu, the Maori name for Nelson, where these hops are grown.

Why the spelling change, you ask?

It’s a classic case of “close enough” pronunciation. But don’t let that fool you – these hops are 100% Kiwi. They’re so proudly New Zealand that they practically do the haka before jumping into your brew kettle.

Growing in Nelson’s sunny climate, Wakatu hops soak up all that sweet, sweet Kiwi goodness. It’s like they’re on a permanent vacation, getting tanned and flavorful. No wonder they bring such a bright, citrusy twist to your beers!

Wakatu Hops: Brewing Characteristics

Wakatu hops pack a punch with their unique blend of floral, spicy and citrus notes. These New Zealand-grown beauties offer brewers a versatile tool for crafting delicious beers.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Dual / Universal
Aromas: Floral, Spicy, Herbal
Notes: Citrus, Tropical
Alpha-acids: 6.0% – 8.5% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 8.0% – 9.0% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 28% – 32% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 0.8 – 1.5 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 40% – 50% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 15% – 18% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 6% – 9% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 5% – 8% [fresh, green, floral]

Alpha and Beta Acids Unveiled

Ever wondered what gives Wakatu its magic? It’s all in the acids, baby! Alpha acids range from 6.0% to 8.5%, giving your brew a nice kick of bitterness. But wait, there’s more! Beta acids clock in at average 8.5%, adding depth to the flavor profile.

Want to crank up the IBUs? Wakatu’s got your back. With its moderate alpha acid content, you can easily adjust the bitterness to your liking. Just remember, a little goes a long way!

Dual Purpose or Just Confused?

Is Wakatu having an identity crisis? Nah, it’s just super talented! This hop wears many hats, making it perfect for both bittering and aroma additions. Exactly the way we like it.

Early in the boil, Wakatu imparts a clean bitterness to your brew. But toss it in late, and boom! You’ll get a burst of noble and lime zest aromas that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Want to dry hop? Go for it!

Wakatu’s medium cohumulone levels mean smoother bitterness and less harsh flavors. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of hops – versatile and always ready to help you create your next masterpiece.

The Splendid Aroma Profile of Wakatu Hops

Get ready for a hop-tastic journey through the aromatic wonderland of Wakatu hops. These little green cones pack a punch that’ll make your nose dance and your taste buds sing.

A Rollercoaster of Aromatics

Buckle up, hop lovers! Wakatu’s aroma profile is like a thrilling ride at the hop carnival. You’ll catch whiffs of zesty lime that’ll make your mouth water faster than a dog eyeing a juicy steak. But wait, there’s more!

Tropical fruit notes sneak in, adding a splash of exotic flair to your brew.

Picture this: You’re sipping a beer, and suddenly – bam! – a sweet, earthy-floral aroma hits you. That’s Wakatu working its magic. It’s like Mother Nature decided to throw a party in your glass.

Here’s a quick aroma cheat sheet for you:

🍋 Citrusy lime (the star of the show)
🌺 Floral notes (think meadow in a bottle)
🍍 Hints of tropical fruit (summer in a glass)
🍯 Sweet, spicy-herbal undertones

Close Relatives in the Aroma Department

Ever wonder who Wakatu hangs out with at hop family reunions? Its aroma buddies include the classic Hallertau Mittelfrüh. No surprise there, since Wakatu’s got some Hallertau genes in its family tree.

But Wakatu’s got its own unique twist.

While Hallertau brings the traditional noble hop vibes, Wakatu cranks up the citrus and adds that killer lime note. It’s like the cool cousin who traveled the world and came back with some fresh ideas.

Oil-wise, Wakatu’s packing humulene, caryophyllene, and farnesene. These oils are the secret sauce behind its complex aroma. They’re working behind the scenes to give your beer that extra oomph.

Beer Styles Worthy of Wakatu

Wakatu hops are a flavor powerhouse that’ll make your taste buds dance. These little green gems pack a punch of citrus and floral notes that can turn an ordinary brew into a taste sensation.

Laid-back Lagers and Pleasurable Pales

Wakatu hops are your ticket to lager heaven. Toss them into a crisp pilsner, and you’ll get a zesty kick that’ll make you say, “Wow, I didn’t know lagers could taste this good!” But don’t stop there. These hops are also a pale ale’s best friend.

Add them to your next batch, and you’ll create a refreshing brew.

With hints of lime and flowers. It’s like summer in a glass!

Want to get fancy? Try using Wakatu in a Belgian ale or saison. The hop’s spicy notes will mingle with the yeast flavors. Creating a complexity that’ll make your beer-loving buddies green with envy.

IPAs and That Tropical Twist

Ready to take your IPA game to the next level? Wakatu’s got your back. These hops bring a tropical party to your beer, with flavors of passion fruit and lime that’ll transport you to a beach paradise. Use them for dry-hopping…

…and you’ll unleash an aroma that’ll make your nose do a happy dance.

But here’s a pro tip: don’t go overboard. Wakatu plays well with others, so try pairing it with other hop varieties. A little Citra here, a touch of Mosaic there, and boom! You’ve got an IPA that’s more layered than a seven-tier wedding cake.

Wakatu hop pairings:
- Citra
- Mosaic
- Nelson Sauvin

Style Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
American IPA	Aroma	–	0.5	0.02	2.5	0.2
	Bittering	0.02	0.4	0.12	2	0.15
	Dry Hop	0.04	0.93	0.19	4.64	0.27
	Flavor	0.06	0.31	0.29	1.53	0.15
	Whirlpool	0.02	0.87	0.11	4.35	0.21
American IPA Total		–	0.93	0.02	4.64	0.21
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.03	0.33	0.16	1.67	0.14
	Bittering	0.02	0.19	0.1	0.93	0.09
	Dry Hop	0.05	0.8	0.25	4	0.25
	Flavor	0.02	0.4	0.1	2	0.11
	Whirlpool	0.06	0.36	0.29	1.82	0.18
American Pale Ale Total		0.02	0.8	0.1	4	0.16
Saison	Aroma	0.05	0.56	0.24	2.81	0.14
	Bittering	0.05	0.25	0.24	1.25	0.13
	Dry Hop	0.17	0.5	0.83	2.5	0.31
	Flavor	0.02	0.25	0.12	1.25	0.11
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.4	0.23	2	0.21
Saison Total		0.02	0.56	0.12	2.81	0.16
New England IPA	Aroma	0.02	0.4	0.08	2	0.18
	Bittering	0.02	0.16	0.08	0.8	0.09
	Dry Hop	0.17	0.76	0.83	3.79	0.27
	Flavor	0.08	0.2	0.4	1	0.14
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.38	0.19	1.9	0.18
New England IPA Total		0.02	0.76	0.08	3.79	0.22
American Light Lager	Aroma	0.06	0.56	0.32	2.78	0.21
	Bittering	0.15	0.2	0.74	1	0.17
	Dry Hop	0.2	0.95	1	4.76	0.69
	Flavor	0.03	0.7	0.16	3.5	0.28
	Whirlpool	0.09	0.8	0.45	4	0.5
American Light Lager Total		0.03	0.95	0.16	4.76	0.3
Blonde Ale	Aroma	0.05	0.33	0.23	1.67	0.15
	Bittering	0.03	0.15	0.13	0.74	0.09
	Flavor	0.08	0.19	0.4	0.96	0.12
	Whirlpool	0.06	0.31	0.28	1.54	0.16
Blonde Ale Total		0.03	0.33	0.13	1.67	0.14

Style Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
American IPA	Aroma	0.03	3.74	0.67	74.89	1.51
	Bittering	0.19	3	3.72	60	1.16
	Dry Hop	0.28	6.96	5.66	139.13	1.99
	Flavor	0.43	2.3	8.7	45.98	1.14
	Whirlpool	0.16	6.51	3.25	130.25	1.59
American IPA Total		0.03	6.96	0.67	139.13	1.55
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.24	2.5	4.76	50	1.02
	Bittering	0.14	1.39	2.86	27.74	0.66
	Dry Hop	0.37	5.99	7.49	119.83	1.9
	Flavor	0.15	3	3	59.91	0.83
	Whirlpool	0.43	2.72	8.57	54.47	1.39
American Pale Ale Total		0.14	5.99	2.86	119.83	1.17
Saison	Aroma	0.36	4.21	7.27	84.21	1.09
	Bittering	0.36	1.87	7.27	37.45	0.99
	Dry Hop	1.25	3.74	24.96	74.89	2.32
	Flavor	0.18	1.87	3.64	37.45	0.81
	Whirlpool	0.34	3	6.81	59.91	1.59
Saison Total		0.18	4.21	3.64	84.21	1.2
New England IPA	Aroma	0.13	3	2.5	59.91	1.36
	Bittering	0.13	1.2	2.5	24	0.67
	Dry Hop	1.25	5.67	24.96	113.4	2.03
	Flavor	0.6	1.5	11.98	29.96	1.05
	Whirlpool	0.28	2.85	5.68	57.06	1.32
New England IPA Total		0.13	5.67	2.5	113.4	1.65
American Light Lager	Aroma	0.48	4.17	9.52	83.33	1.61
	Bittering	1.1	1.5	22.08	29.96	1.26
	Dry Hop	1.5	7.13	29.96	142.56	5.15
	Flavor	0.24	5.24	4.76	104.85	2.1
	Whirlpool	0.67	5.99	13.33	119.83	3.72
American Light Lager Total		0.24	7.13	4.76	142.56	2.24
Blonde Ale	Aroma	0.34	2.5	6.81	50	1.15
	Bittering	0.2	1.1	4	22.03	0.66
	Flavor	0.6	1.44	11.98	28.8	0.89
	Whirlpool	0.42	2.3	8.33	46.09	1.2
Blonde Ale Total		0.2	2.5	4	50	1.07

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

Wakatu Hoptastic Brewing Tips

Ready to dive into the world of Wakatu hops? These New Zealand beauties can turn your homebrew into a flavor explosion. Let’s explore how to make the most of their unique character in your next batch.

Boil Time: The Crucible of Flavor

Wakatu hops are a bit like that friend who shows up fashionably late to the party – they’re best when added towards the end of your boil. Aim for a 15-minute addition to capture their delicate floral and lime notes.

Want to go wild? Try a 5-minute addition for a burst of citrusy goodness.

Here’s a cheeky hop schedule to get you started:

0.5 oz at 15 minutes
1 oz at 5 minutes
1 oz at flameout

Remember, a little goes a long way. Wakatu’s alpha acid content (6.0-8.5%) means you don’t need to go overboard to get that perfect bitter kick.

Wakatu and Friends: Blending for Complexity

Wakatu plays well with others, making it a social butterfly in the hop world. Pair it with Motueka for a zesty lime fiesta in your glass. Or try it with Nelson Sauvin for a white wine twist that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Here’s a fun combo to try in your next pale ale:

Wakatu (1 oz) + Motueka (0.5 oz) at 10 minutes
Wakatu (1 oz) + Nelson Sauvin (0.5 oz) at flameout

This blend will give you a complex, fruity aroma that’ll have your brewing buddies begging for your secret recipe. Just don’t tell them it was this easy!

The Sensory Experience of Wakatu

Wakatu hops are a treat for your senses, offering a unique blend of flavors and aromas that’ll make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into the sensory adventure that awaits you when brewing with these New Zealand gems.

Tasting Notes: Beyond the Citrus Veil

You might think Wakatu is just another citrusy hop, but hold onto your beer mugs! While lime takes center stage, there’s more to this hop than meets the tongue.

Think of biting into a ripe, juicy lime – that’s your first impression. But wait, there’s a plot twist! A subtle floral and spicy notes sneaks in, like a secret ingredient in grandma’s recipe.

As you sip, you’ll notice a gentle sweetness, balancing out the zesty punch. It’s like nature’s own flavor equalizer. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, a hint of fresh herbs joins the party.

A Symphony of Sensations

Brewing with Wakatu is like conducting an orchestra of aromas. Close your eyes and take a whiff – you’re in for a treat!

The lime aroma hits you first, sharp and invigorating. It’s like sticking your nose in a freshly zested lime peel. But don’t stop there – keep sniffing!

You’ll pick up on delicate floral and herbal notes, reminiscent of a spring garden.

It’s not overpowering, just a gentle whisper of flowers.

As the beer warms slightly, spicy undertones emerge.

The beauty of Wakatu lies in its complexity. Each sip reveals a new layer, keeping your taste buds on their toes. It’s a flavor rollercoaster that’ll have you coming back for more!

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com