Breeding, development, and characteristics of the hop (Humulus lupulus) cultivar ‘Nelson Sauvin’

Abstract

The breeding and development of the seedless triploid hop (Humulus lupulus) cultivar ‘Nelson Sauvin’ is described. ‘Nelson Sauvin’ was selected from a seedling population in 1987 and released for commercial production in 2000 following several years of replicated and large‐scale semi‐commercial trials. ‘Nelson Sauvin’ was primarily selected for its high alpha acids content, low seed content, low cohumulone content, and subsequently because ‘Nelson Sauvin’ imparts a unique “grape‐like” flavour to beer. Storage trials showed that ‘Nelson Sauvin’ lost alpha acids more quickly than most other New Zealand‐bred high alpha cultivars. ‘Nelson Sauvin’ has been grown commercially for three seasons mainly for its alternative flavour uses in beer.

Keywords:

• hops
• Humulus lupulus
• breeding
• cultivar
• triploid
• alpha acids
• essential oils

Notes

Corresponding author.