ChallengervsSouthern Dawn
Challenger and Southern Dawn 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 Dawn
Alpha acid
11.2–13.5%
Beta acid
4.3–5.9%
Total oil
-
South Africa
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 Dawn
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Fruity
Only in Challenger
CedarGreen
Only in Southern Dawn
QuinceLemongrassGingerChamomileStrawberryCitrusHerbalSpicy
Property
| Property | Challenger | Southern Dawn |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 11.2–13.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 4.3–5.9% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 31–33% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 22–45% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 17–25% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 8–11% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 4–10% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | South Africa |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
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