SORACHI ACE • ORGANIC

Price range: 7,50€ through 205,00€ HT

Game, set, and match!

“You’re probably familiar with Sorachi Ace US with its coconut notes. Spanish Sorachi is no slouch either, with a powerful, vegetal aroma. Be careful, though, not to underestimate its bittering power, even in DH.”

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Description

Sorachi Ace is a cross between SAAZ, Brewer’s Gold and BeiKEi No.2. It is believed to have originally come from China and then been transported to Japan to be produced by the Sapporo Brewery in Hokkaido in the mid-1980s. It came back into the spotlight in the USA in 2006: the hop shortage of that time prompted brewers to search for anything possible, and Sorachi Ace was then able to show what it was capable of.

Sorachi Ace is a hop prized for its versatility in various beer styles, particularly when aiming for woody and dill notes. Depending on the vintage and application, it can also contribute citrus and coriander notes.

It excels in dry to very dry beers and be careful, it can “clash” with residual sugars.

Flavors : Lemon, Orange, Dill, Coriander

Uses : Saison, White, Pale Ale, Wheat, IPA

Acids :

  • Alpha: 10.5 – 16%
  • Beta: 5 – 7.5%
  • Cohumulone: ​​20-28%

Total oils : 1.5 – 3ml/100g

Possible substitutes : Well, there you have it… 😉

Additional information
Weight N/A
Analysis of the oils and interpretation

 

It has a "Herbaceous and Fresh" profile. It's a hop that emphasizes lightness and a "green" character, with a very interesting balance between head oils and structure oils.

The Aromatic Triplet (Myrcene, Farnesene, Humulene)

This batch is not based on a single dominant molecule, but on a trio:

  • Myrcene (33.71%) : Provides the classic base of resinous freshness and pine . It is the aromatic engine of the batch.

  • Beta-farnesene (19.26%) : This is a significant level. It contributes a note of green apple and freshly cut grass . This gives the hops a very "garden fresh" and crisp character.

  • Humulene (14.32%) : Provides the woody and noble structure. Although lower than in some previous batches (such as 008 or 010), it is sufficient to give the beer an elegant base.

Spices and Flowers in Support

  • Caryophyllene (9.90%) : Provides a peppery and spicy touch. The humulene/caryophyllene ratio (~1.4) is lower than usual. This means the "spicy" aspect will be slightly more pronounced and noticeable on the palate, adding character .

  • Linalool (0.50%) : A discreet floral presence (lavender) that rounds out the whole without dominating.

Green

The remaining oils (limonene, pinene, nerolidol) are present at low levels but contribute to the overall complexity of the "green meadow" that this batch gives off.

Strategic Usage Tips

Sorachi Ace is the hop of spring freshness .

  • The Perfect Moment: Late Hopping (10 min) & Whirlpool

    • This batch is excellent for building an "aromatic" bitterness. By adding it 10 minutes before the end, you fix the farnesene (apple/grass) notes, which are quite stable, while still retaining enough myrcene for the nose.

    • Whirlpool: Ideal for gentle extraction of essential oils without excessive bitterness.

  • Preferred Style:

    • Thirst-quenching Pilsner: Its herbaceous and fresh character makes it the ideal companion to a very thirst-quenching beer.

    • Session Ale: For a beer that is light in alcohol but with a real "fresh hops" taste.

    • Belgian Single / Enkel: The spicy (caryophyllene) and herbaceous side goes very well with Trappist type yeasts.

Sorachi Ace is a "living" hop. It evokes nature, vegetal freshness, and simplicity. It's an excellent choice for everyday beers that you want to make memorable through their aromatic clarity.