AltusvsZeus

Altus (aroma) and Zeus (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Altus

Aroma

Alpha acid

15–18.5%

Beta acid

4–5.2%

Total oil

3–4.4 mL

United States

Zeus

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

2.4–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Altus

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

When to pick Zeus

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Altus

ResinSpicyTangerine

Only in Zeus

Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent

Property

PropertyAltusZeus
Alpha acid15–18.5%13–17.5%
Beta acid4–5.2%4–6.5%
Co-humulone26–29%28–40%
Total oil3–4.4 mL2.4–4.5 mL
Myrcene-45–60%
Humulene-9–18%
Caryophyllene-6–11%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaBittering

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