ChallengervsSummit
Challenger (dual purpose) and Summit (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Summit
Alpha acid
15–17.5%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
1.5–3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Summit
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Summit
Black currantAniseIncenseOrangeGrapefruitTangerineEarthyCitrusOnionGarlicDankCannabis
Property
| Property | Challenger | Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 15–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 26–33% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 1.5–3 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 18–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 12–16% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |