ChallengervsTriplePearl

Challenger and TriplePearl are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Challenger

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6.5–9%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

1–1.7 mL

United Kingdom

TriplePearl

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10–11.2%

Beta acid

3.3–4.2%

Total oil

0.8–1.8 mL

United States

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 TriplePearl

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Cedar

Only in Challenger

GreenFruity

Only in TriplePearl

OrangeCitrusZestMelonResinSpicyBlack currantSandalwoodFloral

Property

PropertyChallengerTriplePearl
Alpha acid6.5–9%10–11.2%
Beta acid3–4.5%3.3–4.2%
Co-humulone20–25%21–55%
Total oil1–1.7 mL0.8–1.8 mL
Myrcene30–42%39–55%
Humulene24–26%7–11%
Caryophyllene9–10%3–5%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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