ChallengervsColumbus
Challenger and Columbus 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
Columbus
Alpha acid
14–18%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
2.5–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Columbus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Columbus
EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurrySpicyCitrusFloralPungentDankCannabis
Property
| Property | Challenger | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 14–18% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 4.5–6% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 2.5–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 9–14% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 6–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |