Podcast Episode 306: Celebrated Hop Breeder Ron Beatson Discusses the Unique Characteristics of New Zealand Hops

The scientist behind storied varieties such as Nelson Sauvin and up-and-comers like Nectaron shares insights into the process of developing impactful hops.

Jamie Bogner Jun 3, 2023 - 7 min read

Podcast Episode 306: Celebrated Hop Breeder Ron Beatson Discusses the Unique Characteristics of New Zealand Hops Primary Image

Subscribe to the Craft Beer & Brewing Podcast:

New Zealand’s climate, latitude, and singular terroir offer the right environment for hops of unique expression, but it’s their longstanding breeding program that has made possible so many of the signatures aromas and flavors we’ve grown to love. Ron Beatson of NZ Hops is the plant geneticist behind many of these beloved varieties. On this episode recorded at the recent Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville, he discusses the complex genetics and processes behind developing hops such as Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka, Nectarine, Superdelic, and more.

Beatson covers:

  • the impact of triploid genetics
  • the evolution of hop breeding with a focus on aroma and flavor
  • using a California-grown Late Cluster parent for many popular crosses
  • effects of terroir on popular New Zealand hop varieties
  • developing new cultivars for early and late season harvest
  • impacts of high-UV energy on New Zealand hop crops

And more.

This episode is brought to you by:

G&D
G&D Chillers
G&D Chillers. The brewing industry’s premier choice for glycol chilling. They are proud of the cool partnerships they have built over the past 30 years. G&D Chillers has set the standard on quality, service, and reliability with 24/7 service and support. Want to maximize efficiency in your chiller? G&D’s Micro-Channel Condensers are designed for less power draw. They have a lighter weight, and a more compact design using up to 70% less refrigerant means a lower GWP and lower operating costs. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com or call to discuss your next project.

BSG horizontal Primary logo EC3400 12284B 200px
Sponsored by CanCraft. Stressed about packaging and can supply? Don’t worry, CanCraft’s team of design & aluminum specialists are here to make things easy by supporting you every step of the way. From aluminum cans to lids to PakTech can carriers to design help, Cancraft can provide you with a full-service packaging experience from design to delivery. Visit Bsgcraftbrewing.com/Cancraft to get started

Old Orchard logo 200px
Is your brewery making its own ciders, seltzers, and other beverages beyond beer? If you need a central source for fruit flavor, Old Orchard has you covered. Old Orchard supplies flavored craft juice concentrate blends to beverage brands for the production of beer, cider, seltzer, wine, spirits, kombucha, and more. Flavor your lineup and streamline your sourcing by heading to oldorchard.com/brewer


AccuBrew now monitors specific gravity to ensure consistent results and detect problems before they ruin a batch. The AccuBrew system is designed to give you unprecedented insight into the fermentation process. Monitor gravity, fermentation activity, clarity, and temperature, schedule reminders, and receive alerts anywhere, anytime. AccuBrew’s CIP-ready device is designed to stay out of your way. They know your time and space is precious, and they take up as little of both as possible. No more samples, no cleaning, and no calibration. Set it and forget it! To learn more about AccuBrew head over to AccuBrew.io.

ProBrew Logo 200px
Brewing is currently one of the most innovative, adaptive, and fast-paced industries in the world. With consumer demand shifting to the latest and greatest trend, it can be difficult for production teams to keep up with requirements. The ProFill series of rotary can fillers from ProBrew are accelerating plant production everywhere. These can fillers run at speeds between 100 – 600+ cans per minute while achieving precise and consistent filling volumes not achievable by most inline and mobile fillers. For more information, visit www.probrew.com or email [email protected] to learn exactly how we can take your operations to the next level. ProBrew, brew YOUR beer.


Did you know YOUR water can change the flavor profile of your beer? Water IS the #1 ingredient after all and US Water Systems.com knows just how to treat it. US Water Systems.com has been at the forefront of the craft brewing industry and created American made water treatment systems with brewers in mind. Whether you're a hobbyist or a pro, head on over to US Water Systems.com to learn more because... Great beer starts here.


Are you ready to start canning your craft beverages? Twin Monkeys Beverage Systems is here to help. This troop of engineers, service techs, and microbrew fanatics offers customizable packaging solutions for every craft. Their canning lines are affordable, made in the USA, and engineered to grow alongside the needs of your business. Visit TwinMonkeys.net today and learn just how easy it is to get YOUR craft into cans.

Fermentis 200px
Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore our app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.

abs-commercial-logo-200px
ABS Commercial has been a full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years. They are proud to offer brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country as well as equipment for distilling, cider-making, wine-making, and more! They know the ins and outs of the brewing and installation process and can design the perfect set-up for you, whether you're just starting out or looking to expand. Contact them today at [email protected] to discuss your customized brewery needs. ABS Commercial. We are brewers.

Jamie Bogner is the Cofounder and Editorial Director of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®. Email him at [email protected].

ARTICLES FOR YOU