ChallengervsHorizon
Challenger and Horizon 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
Horizon
Alpha acid
8.8–12%
Beta acid
5.5–7.5%
Total oil
0.5–1.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
When to pick Horizon
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Horizon
FloralCitrusSpicyFloral
Property
| Property | Challenger | Horizon |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 8.8–12% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 5.5–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 16–19% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.5–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 10–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 8–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 3–5% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |