ChallengervsNobility Blend

Challenger and Nobility Blend 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

Nobility Blend

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4.2–4.5%

Beta acid

4.9–5.3%

Total oil

-

United States

Key differences

When to pick Challenger

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

When to pick Nobility Blend

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Green

Only in Challenger

CedarFruity

Only in Nobility Blend

LemonOrangeLemongrassFloralSpicy

Property

PropertyChallengerNobility Blend
Alpha acid6.5–9%4.2–4.5%
Beta acid3–4.5%4.9–5.3%
Co-humulone20–25%27%
Total oil1–1.7 mL-
Myrcene30–42%34–38%
Humulene24–26%22–23%
Caryophyllene9–10%26–28%
Farnesene0–1%6–8%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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