ChallengervsFlyer
Challenger and Flyer 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
Flyer
Alpha acid
8.3–14.5%
Beta acid
4.1–6%
Total oil
-
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
When to pick Flyer
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Flyer
SpicyCitrusLicoriceResinCaramel
Property
| Property | Challenger | Flyer |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 8.3–14.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 4.1–6% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 26–35% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 17–25% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 22–23% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 0–1% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
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