Luna® ushers in new flavour era

Hop Products Australia (HPA) has unveiled Luna®, a new flavour hop born from its innovative breeding program and positioned as the next chapter in Australian beer flavour.

Distinguished by lush mango, dark berry and spicy citrus characteristics, Luna® also carries a high polyphenol content that elevates flavour profile and mouthfeel to round out the palate. It complements other modern hops seamlessly and lends itself to a wide range of popular beer styles. From Pilsners to IPAs, Luna® offers creative flexibility backed by agronomic reliability.

Created in 2003 through a cross-pollination of high alpha Australian and Liberty hops, Luna® emerged from HPA’s long-term breeding strategy. When Dr Simon Whittock, Head of Breeding and Research at HPA, took over the program in 2007, he began sorting through experimental varieties in search of what he describes as “lupulin gold”. Alongside Vic Secret™ and Eclipse®, Luna® was selected for field trials using a triploid breeding strategy designed to deliver climate resilience, exceptional flavour impact and cost-effective brewing performance.

Initially identified for its early harvest window, Luna® has consistently performed exceptionally well in brewing trials.

Ross Terlick, Head Brewer at Rocky Ridge, says: “Luna’s seriously good in beer. It creates some beautifully complex notes of spicy citrus on the hot side, and juicy mango on the cold side. I can see Luna becoming a very popular hop. I honestly reckon it’s going to rival Galaxy.”

Colin Lenfesty, Founder and Head Brewer at Holy Mountain, adds: “We were blown away by Luna! Using it in a West Coast Pilsner, we got big notes of tropical fruit and citrus. It has a lot of potential and we’re looking forward to brewing with it again soon.”

According to HPA, Luna® offers impressive versatility across the brewhouse. A late whirlpool addition accentuates spicy citrus characters, which can present as marmalade when interacting with darker malts, while dry hopping elevates lush mango and dark berry flavours alongside mouthfeel. The hop is designed to layer seamlessly with other modern varieties, offering brewers a strong foundation for innovation.

Beyond flavour, Luna® reflects HPA’s long-term commitment to breeding for a changing climate.

Dr Whittock says: “This is a new beginning. HPA is committed to bringing new Australian hops to market more frequently, selecting for agronomic performance in a changing climate, exceptional flavour impact, and innovative product opportunities. Our goal is to give brewers a competitive edge in the market, and beer lovers a great experience that keeps them coming back time and again.”

To mark the launch, HPA is inviting brewers to experience Luna® firsthand during this year’s Australian harvest. Brewers who travel to Victoria’s High Country for a farm tour will receive a limited-edition mixed pack of beers from Bridge Road, Bright Brewery, King River and Mountain Monk, showcasing Luna® across multiple beer styles. Bright Brewery’s annual hop harvest dinner has also been reimagined as the official Luna® launch party.

Grace Irwin, Chief Marketing Officer at HPA, says: “It’s the perfect setting to celebrate our new hop. Guests can enjoy a beer or two with our local growers and spin the prize wheel for everything from exclusive merchandise to crop 2026 Luna pellets. It’s sure to be a fun evening that brings together innovative hops, exceptional beer, and the best of the High Country.”

Internationally, HPA has partnered with other members of the BarthHaas group to introduce Luna® to global markets. Haas will pour a Luna® beer at the Craft Brewers Conference in April and US harvest in September, while BarthHaas will feature the hop in beer at Brew Asia in October and within their Inspiration Range at BrauBeviale in November. Both partners will also highlight Luna® alongside HPA’s uniquely Australian hop portfolio at AusFest, a new series of guided sensory sessions and high-profile collaboration beers launching later this year to coincide with the arrival of crop 2026. Together, these initiatives will bring Luna® directly to brewers around the world.

Currently available in limited quantities, Luna® will see production progressively scaled in response to demand. The hop is available in T90 pellets and Prysma™, a liquid addition designed to integrate flavour throughout the brewing process without notable bitterness.