ChallengervsBramling Cross
Challenger and Bramling Cross are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Bramling Cross
Alpha acid
5–8%
Beta acid
2.3–3.2%
Total oil
0.7–1.2 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
When to pick Bramling Cross
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Bramling Cross
Black currantLoganberryVanillaLemonSpicy
Property
| Property | Challenger | Bramling Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 5–8% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 2.3–3.2% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 33–35% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.7–1.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 35–37% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 29–31% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 14–16% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–2% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Bullion