ChallengervsNorthdown
Challenger and Northdown 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
Northdown
Alpha acid
7–10%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.2–2.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
When to pick Northdown
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Cedar
Only in Challenger
GreenFruity
Only in Northdown
FloralPineBerrySpicy
Property
| Property | Challenger | Northdown |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 7–10% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 24–32% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 1.2–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 23–29% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 40–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 13–17% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |