ChallengervsFirst Gold
Challenger and First Gold 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
First Gold
Alpha acid
5.6–10%
Beta acid
2.3–4.1%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
When to pick First Gold
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in First Gold
TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryHerbalOrangeHerbalSpicyFloral
Property
| Property | Challenger | First Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 5.6–10% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 2.3–4.1% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 29–35% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.7–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 24–28% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 20–24% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 6–7% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 2–4% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
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