ChinookvsEl Dorado

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

Chinook

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.5–15%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2.7 mL

United States

El Dorado

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

13–17%

Beta acid

6.4–8%

Total oil

2.5–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Chinook

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick El Dorado

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Chinook

PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis

Only in El Dorado

FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Property

PropertyChinookEl Dorado
Alpha acid11.5–15%13–17%
Beta acid3–4%6.4–8%
Co-humulone27–35%28–33%
Total oil1–2.7 mL2.5–3.3 mL
Myrcene20–30%55–60%
Humulene18–24%10–15%
Caryophyllene9–11%6–8%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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