A triploid alpha type developed through the New Zealand Hop breeding program, Pacific Gem fills the brew house with enticing aromas during kettle addition. It is typically used as a first hop addition and makes its presence felt through an excellent tempered bitterness and flavor while later additions deliver citrus and pine aroma notes.

Pacific Gem is a good all purpose hop that delivers quality bitterness along with flavor and aromas. It is excellent in international lagers and can also be used in IPA’s and other big styles.

Characteristics: Spicy, earthy, fruity and floral with notes of black pepper, berry fruits and oak

Harvest: 2018

Alpha Acid: 12%

For more info, see New Zealand Hops here

Why are they called T90 hop pellets?

The Type 90 pellet is made from dried hop cone powder that has been pelletized. It is called "Type 90" as there is approximately 10% wastage in the production process i.e. 100 kg of dried hop cone equates to 90 kg of pellets.

Are leaf hops better than pellets?

This one massively divides opinion but not at London Beer Lab. We fall very much on the pellets better than leaf side. There's a few reasons. Firstly, due to their concentrated form they degrade much slower than leaf when stored in non ideal surroundings i.e. your left over hops will still be worth using next time you go to brew. Secondly, they're much easier to vacuum pack and store, allowing for a bigger selection of hops from a central London location. Thirdly and this will sound paranoid, it feels as though in the UK that the hops we receive on occasion may underwhelm based on previous experiences of said variety - I have only had this happen with leaf but the disappointment is beyond comprehension and thus does not bear repeating.

How are these hops packaged?

When we have excess of a hop after a commercial brew or from our workshops, we vacuum seal these hops in mylar vacuum pouches before cold storing until sold or needed for our own pilot brews.