AgnusvsChallenger
Agnus (bittering) and Challenger (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Agnus
Alpha acid
9–14%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
2–3 mL
Czech Republic
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Agnus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Challenger
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Agnus
LavenderLeatherTobaccoCitrusSpicy
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Property
| Property | Agnus | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 9–14% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 4–6.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–38% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | 2–3 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–55% | 30–42% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Czech Republic | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Columbus