ChallengervsYakima Gold
Challenger and Yakima Gold 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
Yakima Gold
Alpha acid
7–8%
Beta acid
3.5–4.5%
Total oil
0.5–1.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
When to pick Yakima Gold
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Only in Yakima Gold
SmoothGrapefruitLemon
Property
| Property | Challenger | Yakima Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 7–8% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 3.5–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 21–23% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.5–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | 35–45% |
| Humulene | 24–26% | 18–24% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | 5–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 8–12% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |