New Japanese Hop Varieties with High α-Acid Content

Abstract

Kirin Brewery Co. Ltd. (Japan) developed three new high α-acid hop varieties: Toyomidori, Kitamidori, and Eastern Gold. Their α-acid contents were 12.2, 15.4, and 17.3%, respectively. The α-acid contents of these new varieties were comparable to those of the high α-acid varieties previously reported. Eastern Gold might be referred to as an excellent high α-acid variety. In addition to high α-acid content, the oil composition of Kitamidori was similar to that of Saazer. These varieties had Wye male OB 79 as a common genetic composition, and their genetic potential for α-acid content could be predicted.