ChallengervsWillamette
Challenger and Willamette 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
Willamette
Alpha acid
4–7.2%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
0.6–1.6 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
When to pick Willamette
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Willamette
CitrusIncenseElderberryCaramelCurryFloral
Property
| Property | Challenger | Willamette |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 4–7.2% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.6–1.6 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 20–27% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 7–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 5–6% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |