AdmiralvsSun

Admiral and Sun are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Admiral

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–16.2%

Beta acid

4.8–6.1%

Total oil

1–1.7 mL

United Kingdom

Sun

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–16%

Beta acid

4.5–7%

Total oil

-

United States

Key differences

When to pick Admiral

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Sun

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Herbal

Only in Admiral

OrangeTeaFreshPineCitrusResin

Only in Sun

-

Property

PropertyAdmiralSun
Alpha acid13–16.2%12–16%
Beta acid4.8–6.1%4.5–7%
Co-humulone37–45%30–40%
Total oil1–1.7 mL-
Myrcene39–48%-
Humulene23–26%-
Caryophyllene6–8%-
Farnesene0–2%-
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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