ChallengervsSticklebract
Challenger and Sticklebract 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
Sticklebract
Alpha acid
12–15%
Beta acid
6–8.5%
Total oil
0.75–1.8 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 Sticklebract
- 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 Sticklebract
PineCitrus
Property
| Property | Challenger | Sticklebract |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 12–15% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 6–8.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 35–45% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.75–1.8 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 14–64% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 7–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 3–13% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 4–7% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | New Zealand |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Hersbrucker
Northdown
Sorachi Ace