African QueenvsSimcoe

African Queen and Simcoe are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

African Queen

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10–17%

Beta acid

3.9–6.2%

Total oil

0.7–1.5 mL

South Africa

Simcoe

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.8–3.2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick African Queen

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Simcoe

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusBubblegum

Only in African Queen

DankBlueberryStone fruitBlack currantGooseberryCassisLemongrassChiliesGazpacho

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricot

Property

PropertyAfrican QueenSimcoe
Alpha acid10–17%11–15%
Beta acid3.9–6.2%3–5%
Co-humulone22–30%15–21%
Total oil0.7–1.5 mL0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene20–29%40–50%
Humulene21–30%15–20%
Caryophyllene10–17%8–14%
Farnesene5–7%0–1%
OriginSouth AfricaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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