ChallengervsTarget
Challenger (dual purpose) and Target (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
Target
Alpha acid
8.5–13.5%
Beta acid
4.3–5.7%
Total oil
1–1.4 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Target
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- 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 Target
CitrusMarmaladeSageSpicyPepper
Property
| Property | Challenger | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 8.5–13.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 4.3–5.7% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 35–40% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 1–1.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 17–23% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 8–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |
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