ChallengervsAdmiral
Challenger (dual purpose) and Admiral (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Admiral
Alpha acid
13–16.2%
Beta acid
4.8–6.1%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Admiral
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Admiral
OrangeTeaFreshPineCitrusResinHerbal
Property
| Property | Challenger | Admiral |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 13–16.2% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 4.8–6.1% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 37–45% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 39–48% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 23–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 6–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–2% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |
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