New Zealand’s climate, latitude, and singular terroir offers the right environment for hops of unique expression, but it’s their longstanding breeding program that has made possible so many of the signatures aromas and flavors we’ve grown to love. Ron Beatson of NZ Hops is the plant geneticist behind many of these beloved varieties, and on this episode recorded at the Craft Brewers Conference, he discusses the complex genetics and processes behind developing hops like Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka, Nectarine, Superdelic, and more.

Beatson covers:

The impact of triploid genetics
The evolution of hop breeding with a focus on aroma and flavor
Using a California-grown Late Cluster parent for many popular crosses
Effects of terroir on popular New Zealand hop varieties
Developing new cultivars for early and late season harvest
Impacts of high UV energy on New Zealand hop crops

And more.

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306: Celebrated Hop Breeder Ron Beatson Discusses the Unique Characteristics of New Zealand Hops

Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast