ChallengervsSimcoe
Challenger and Simcoe 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
Simcoe
Alpha acid
11–15%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
0.8–3.2 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 Simcoe
- 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
Shared aromas
Fruity
Only in Challenger
CedarGreen
Only in Simcoe
EarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus
Property
| Property | Challenger | Simcoe |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 11–15% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 3–5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 15–21% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.8–3.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 40–50% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 15–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 8–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |