Hop Spotlight: Nelson Sauvin, Galaxy & Ekuanot — Three Hops Worth Trying

Citra and Cascade get most of the attention, and rightly so — but if you want to branch out, these three varieties are worth a look. Each brings something distinctive to the glass, and none of them are as widely used as they deserve to be.

Nelson Sauvin

Grown in New Zealand and named for its resemblance to Sauvignon Blanc wine, Nelson Sauvin is unmistakable — gooseberry, white grape and a distinct "fruit salad" character that's unlike any other hop variety. It works brilliantly as a late/dry hop addition in pale ales and IPAs where you want that fruity punch to shine, and pairs surprisingly well with a clean, neutral yeast that won't compete with the hop character.

Try it in: New Zealand pale ale, a single-hop IPA, or a NEIPA where you want something a bit different from the usual citrus-forward American varieties.

Galaxy

An Australian variety with intense passionfruit and citrus character, Galaxy has become a modern classic in hazy and New England-style IPAs, but it's equally at home in a pale ale where you want big aroma without overwhelming bitterness. It's particularly well suited to whirlpool and dry hop additions, where its aromatic oils really get a chance to shine.

Try it in: NEIPA, hazy pale ale, or blended with Citra or Mosaic for a fuller tropical profile.

Ekuanot

Bred in the US, Ekuanot (formerly known as Experimental 06277) offers a slightly more restrained but genuinely distinctive profile — green, tropical, with notes of papaya and a subtle herbal edge that sets it apart from more one-dimensional tropical hops. It's a great choice if you want tropical character without your beer tasting like it's been through a juicer.

Try it in: West Coast IPA, session IPA, or as a supporting hop alongside a bigger variety like Citra or Galaxy.

Why Try Something Different?

All three of these varieties are less commonly used than the big-name American hops, which means your beer is less likely to taste like everyone else's. If you're an experienced brewer looking for a new signature flavour, or just want to understand what all the fuss is about beyond Citra and Cascade, these are a great place to start.

Shop Hops at Brewco

Browse our full range of home brew hops, including Nelson Sauvin, Galaxy and Ekuanot pellets, at Brewco UK.