Barbe RougevsHersbrucker

Barbe Rouge and Hersbrucker are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Barbe Rouge

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.8–10%

Beta acid

3.3–4.6%

Total oil

1.1–3 mL

France

Hersbrucker

Aroma

Alpha acid

1.5–5%

Beta acid

2.5–6%

Total oil

0.5–1.3 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Barbe Rouge

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Hersbrucker

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Orange

Only in Barbe Rouge

CitrusKumquatLimeRedcurrantStrawberryRaspberryFloralBerryHerbal

Only in Hersbrucker

NobleHayTobacco

Property

PropertyBarbe RougeHersbrucker
Alpha acid3.8–10%1.5–5%
Beta acid3.3–4.6%2.5–6%
Co-humulone24–28%17–25%
Total oil1.1–3 mL0.5–1.3 mL
Myrcene35–60%15–30%
Humulene15–25%20–30%
Caryophyllene2–4%8–13%
Farnesene0–4%0–1%
OriginFranceGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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