ChallengervsZenia
Challenger and Zenia 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
Zenia
Alpha acid
11–14%
Beta acid
4.4–5.1%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 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 Zenia
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Fruity
Only in Challenger
CedarGreen
Only in Zenia
DankResinOrangeOnionCitrusPineMarmaladeGarlic
Property
| Property | Challenger | Zenia |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 11–14% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 4.4–5.1% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | - |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | - |
| Humulene | 24–26% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | - |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |