ChallengervsMount Hood
Challenger (dual purpose) and Mount Hood (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Mount Hood
Alpha acid
3.9–8%
Beta acid
5–8%
Total oil
1.2–1.7 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Mount Hood
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Mount Hood
NobleHerbalPungentSpicy
Property
| Property | Challenger | Mount Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 3.9–8% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 5–8% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 21–23% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 1.2–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 12–38% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 7–16% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |
Hersbrucker