Brewer's Gold (GR)vsChallenger
Brewer's Gold (GR) (bittering) and Challenger (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Brewer's Gold (GR)
Alpha acid
4.5–7.8%
Beta acid
2.9–3.7%
Total oil
0.8–2.2 mL
Germany
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Brewer's Gold (GR)
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Challenger
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Brewer's Gold (GR)
Black currantSpicy
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Property
| Property | Brewer's Gold (GR) | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–7.8% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 2.9–3.7% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 39–48% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | 0.8–2.2 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–50% | 30–42% |
| Humulene | 29–31% | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–8% | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Germany | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Chinook