ChallengervsOpal
Challenger and Opal 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
Opal
Alpha acid
5–14%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
0.8–1.3 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
When to pick Opal
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Opal
Black currantCitrusSpicyFloralHerbalAnise
Property
| Property | Challenger | Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 5–14% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 3.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 13–34% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.8–1.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 20–45% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 30–50% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 8–15% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Germany |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Northdown
Styrian Golding