Lot RK25-HUR-LTE
Rakau
2025
Alpha
9.27
Beta
4.44
Total oil (ml/100g)
0.85
Harvest Window
Late
Harvest Dates
27-28 Mar
Farm Location
Hurunui
Farm Block
Old Garden
Kiln Temp
55°C
Harvest Sensory
A lush orchard of stone fruit and tropical depth, this year’s Rakau bursts with ripe apricot and juicy pineapple, underpinned by smooth resinous notes and a hint of herbal complexity. Rich in terpenes and layered in character, Rakau excels in hop-forward brews — bold enough to stand alone, yet perfect for adding depth and dimension in blends.
Crop Year Summary
The 2024–2025 growing season in Domett was marked by a mild spring with steady soil warmth and well-timed rainfall, setting the stage for strong early growth. Summer brought long stretches of sunshine and above-average temperatures, tempered by cool easterly breezes and low humidity—ideal for resin development and cone density. Rainfall was lower than average through late summer, reducing disease pressure and intensifying lupulin character. A brief cold snap in early autumn, without damaging frost, helped lock in aromatic complexity ahead of harvest. Overall, this vintage has produced hops with high oil content, bold expression, and clean bitterness—reflecting a season of stress-managed intensity.
Terroir Description
Nestled close to the Hurunui River and flanked by rolling foothills, Bold River’s hop fields sit in a uniquely expressive pocket of North Canterbury. Free-draining alluvial soils and high UV light levels support vigorous growth and vivid aromatic profiles. The inland-coastal climate—warm days, cool nights, and low relative humidity—helps produce cones rich in essential oils with crisp, layered character. Consistent breezes off the Pacific and clean river-fed air create ideal drying and ripening conditions. It's a place where hops thrive under gentle pressure—delivering clean citrus, herbaceous spice, and a distinct Southern intensity.