Description
Taiheke®
(6-8 %AA)
New Zealand grown dual purpose US Cultivar with citrus “grapefruit/lime” characters.
Breeding:
Taiheke® Brand USDA 56013 originates from an early US breeding program circa 1956 and was the first commercially bred hop to emerge from the USDA-ARS program when released in 1972. It was bred from crossing an English Fuggle with a male selection believed to have been a crossing of Fuggle with the Russian variety Serebrianka.
Selection:
During selection this hop displays quite exceptional levels of citrus moving more to New Zealand tropical fruit characteristics. Through selection, agronomics and “Terroir” the flavour and aroma characteristics have altered markedly from the original cultivar to no longer be considered the same variety. Its bright colour and tight compact cone shape give it instant appeal during selections and the power of its resinous fruit mix on the senses makes it a real standout during selection.
Brewing:
Performs well when used as a single variety across multiple kettle additions or when singled out as a late gift or dry hopping duty. Can do some really great things for the hop advocate when matched up with some of the other New Zealand aroma heavy weights such as Motueka or Riwaka. A fun hop in the brewery which literally sighs with pleasure when plunged into a hop back.
‘A personality of its own’
Applications:
Typically employed in “new world” style pale ales and creative brewers are using it for very intense summer ales where its fruit forward aroma and oils profile make for a refreshing finish.
