Bramling CrossvsNorthdown

Bramling Cross and Northdown are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Bramling Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8%

Beta acid

2.3–3.2%

Total oil

0.7–1.2 mL

United Kingdom

Northdown

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–10%

Beta acid

4–5.5%

Total oil

1.2–2.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Bramling Cross

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Northdown

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Bramling Cross

Black currantLoganberryVanillaLemon

Only in Northdown

FloralPineCedarBerry

Property

PropertyBramling CrossNorthdown
Alpha acid5–8%7–10%
Beta acid2.3–3.2%4–5.5%
Co-humulone33–35%24–32%
Total oil0.7–1.2 mL1.2–2.5 mL
Myrcene35–37%23–29%
Humulene29–31%40–45%
Caryophyllene14–16%13–17%
Farnesene0–2%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons