Chinook
Alpha acid
11.5–15%
Beta acid
3–4%
Total oil
1–2.7 mL
United States
Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Chinook
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Herkules
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Chinook
PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Property
| Property | Chinook | Herkules |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11.5–15% | 12–17% |
| Beta acid | 3–4% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 27–35% | 32–38% |
| Total oil | 1–2.7 mL | 1.4–2.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–30% | 30–50% |
| Humulene | 18–24% | 30–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–11% | 7–12% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |