AuroravsNorthern Brewer (US)
Aurora (dual purpose) and Northern Brewer (US) (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Aurora
Alpha acid
6.5–13%
Beta acid
2.7–5.5%
Total oil
0.9–1.8 mL
Slovenia
Northern Brewer (US)
Alpha acid
7–10%
Beta acid
3–5.5%
Total oil
1–2 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Aurora
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Northern Brewer (US)
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Aurora
FloralSpicyLemongrassNoble
Only in Northern Brewer (US)
PineWoodyMintBlack currant
Property
| Property | Aurora | Northern Brewer (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–13% | 7–10% |
| Beta acid | 2.7–5.5% | 3–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–26% | 27–34% |
| Total oil | 0.9–1.8 mL | 1–2 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–25% | 35–45% |
| Humulene | 20–25% | 27–31% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–9% | 11–15% |
| Farnesene | 5–10% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Slovenia | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |