ChallengervsPacific Jade

Challenger and Pacific Jade 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

Pacific Jade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–14%

Beta acid

7–8%

Total oil

1.1–1.5 mL

New Zealand

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 Pacific Jade

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Challenger

CedarGreenFruity

Only in Pacific Jade

CitrusSpicyHerbalBlack currant

Property

PropertyChallengerPacific Jade
Alpha acid6.5–9%12–14%
Beta acid3–4.5%7–8%
Co-humulone20–25%23–25%
Total oil1–1.7 mL1.1–1.5 mL
Myrcene30–42%33–34%
Humulene24–26%32–33%
Caryophyllene9–10%10–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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