ChallengervsNugget
Challenger and Nugget 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
Nugget
Alpha acid
9.5–16%
Beta acid
3–5.8%
Total oil
0.9–3.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Nugget
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Nugget
HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut
Property
| Property | Challenger | Nugget |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 9.5–16% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 3–5.8% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 22–30% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.9–3.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 48–59% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 12–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 7–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |