Challenger substitutes
Proven alternatives to Challenger and hops with a similar aroma profile. Pick by availability, price or country of origin.
Direct substitutes
5
Northdown
IPAAPAPils
Alpha acid7–10%
Beta acid4–5.5%
Total oil1.2–2.5 mL
FloralPineCedarBerry+1

Northern Brewer (GR)
IPAImperial StoutBarleywine
Alpha acid6–10%
Beta acid3–5%
Total oil1–2.1 mL
MintGrassyPine
Northern Brewer (US)
IPAImperial StoutBarleywine
Alpha acid7–10%
Beta acid3–5.5%
Total oil1–2 mL
PineWoodyMintBlack currant
Perle (US)
IPAAPAPils
Alpha acid4–9%
Beta acid2.5–4.5%
Total oil0.5–2 mL
SlightlyHerbalFloral

Target
IPAImperial StoutBarleywine
Alpha acid8.5–13.5%
Beta acid4.3–5.7%
Total oil1–1.4 mL
CitrusMarmaladeSageSpicy+1
Similar aroma profiles
4BRU-1
Pale AlePilsWitbier
Alpha acid13–15%
Beta acid8–10%
Total oil1.5–2 mL
PineappleGreenFruity
Crystal
Pale AlePilsWitbier
Alpha acid2.8–6%
Beta acid4.5–8.5%
Total oil0.8–2.3 mL
WoodyFloralGreenFruity+4
TNT Blend
Pale AlePilsWitbier
Alpha acid11.5–13%
Beta acid-
Total oil1.3–1.5 mL
FruityCitrusGreen
Toyomidori
IPAImperial StoutBarleywine
Alpha acid11–13%
Beta acid5–6%
Total oil0.8–1.2 mL
MildFruityTobaccoGreen
How to pick a substitute
Look for similar alpha acid content (within 2%) and overlapping aroma notes. The more shared notes, the safer the swap.