ChallengervsMinstrel
Challenger and Minstrel 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
Minstrel
Alpha acid
5–7%
Beta acid
3–3.5%
Total oil
0.5–0.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
When to pick Minstrel
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Minstrel
HerbalSpicyBerryOrange
Property
| Property | Challenger | Minstrel |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 5–7% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 3–3.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 22–26% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.5–0.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 22–25% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 1–4% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 7–9% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
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