BobekvsChelan

Bobek and Chelan are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Bobek

Bittering

Alpha acid

3.5–9.3%

Beta acid

4–6.6%

Total oil

0.7–4 mL

Slovenia

Chelan

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–15%

Beta acid

8.5–10%

Total oil

1.5–1.9 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Bobek

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

When to pick Chelan

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Bobek

Pine

Only in Chelan

CitrusFruityMild

Property

PropertyBobekChelan
Alpha acid3.5–9.3%12–15%
Beta acid4–6.6%8.5–10%
Co-humulone26–31%33–35%
Total oil0.7–4 mL1.5–1.9 mL
Myrcene30–45%45–55%
Humulene13–19%12–15%
Caryophyllene4–6%9–12%
Farnesene4–7%0–1%
OriginSloveniaUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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