Bitter GoldvsSimcoe
Bitter Gold and Simcoe are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Bitter Gold
Alpha acid
12–18.8%
Beta acid
4.5–8%
Total oil
0.8–3.9 mL
United States
Simcoe
Alpha acid
11–15%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
0.8–3.2 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Bitter Gold
- 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
When to pick Simcoe
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Grapefruit
Only in Bitter Gold
Stone fruitTropicalPearWatermelonGrassyFloral
Only in Simcoe
FruityEarthyPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus
Property
| Property | Bitter Gold | Simcoe |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–18.8% | 11–15% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–8% | 3–5% |
| Co-humulone | 36–41% | 15–21% |
| Total oil | 0.8–3.9 mL | 0.8–3.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–68% | 40–50% |
| Humulene | 7–18% | 15–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–11% | 8–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–2% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |