ChallengervsGreen Bullet

Challenger and Green Bullet are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Challenger

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6.5–9%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

1–1.7 mL

United Kingdom

Green Bullet

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

6.5–7%

Total oil

1–1.4 mL

New Zealand

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 Green Bullet

  • 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 Green Bullet

PineBlack currantPlumResinDriedFloral

Property

PropertyChallengerGreen Bullet
Alpha acid6.5–9%11–15%
Beta acid3–4.5%6.5–7%
Co-humulone20–25%38–43%
Total oil1–1.7 mL1–1.4 mL
Myrcene30–42%37–39%
Humulene24–26%28–29%
Caryophyllene9–10%9–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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