ChallengervsSouthern Cross
Challenger and Southern Cross 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
Southern Cross
Alpha acid
11–14%
Beta acid
5–7%
Total oil
1.2–2 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 Southern Cross
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- 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 Southern Cross
LemonLimePineSpicyCitrusTropicalZest
Property
| Property | Challenger | Southern Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 11–14% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 5–7% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 25–28% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 1.2–2 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 31–55% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 13–21% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 5–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 6–8% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | New Zealand |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Northdown
Sorachi Ace