ChallengervsOlympic
Challenger and Olympic 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
Olympic
Alpha acid
10.6–13.8%
Beta acid
3.8–6.1%
Total oil
0.86–2.55 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 Olympic
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Olympic
CitrusSpicy
Property
| Property | Challenger | Olympic |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 10.6–13.8% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 3.8–6.1% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 31% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.86–2.55 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 9–13% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 7–12% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |