BravovsZeus

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

Bravo

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–18%

Beta acid

3–5.5%

Total oil

1.6–3.5 mL

United States

Zeus

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

2.4–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Bravo

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

When to pick Zeus

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Bravo

OrangeVanillaFloralLimeFruity

Only in Zeus

Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent

Property

PropertyBravoZeus
Alpha acid13–18%13–17.5%
Beta acid3–5.5%4–6.5%
Co-humulone28–35%28–40%
Total oil1.6–3.5 mL2.4–4.5 mL
Myrcene25–60%45–60%
Humulene8–20%9–18%
Caryophyllene6–8%6–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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