ChinookvsMerkur

Chinook and Merkur 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

Merkur

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–16.2%

Beta acid

4.5–7.3%

Total oil

2–3 mL

Germany

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 Merkur

  • 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 Merkur

SugarPineappleMintCitrusEarthy

Property

PropertyChinookMerkur
Alpha acid11.5–15%12–16.2%
Beta acid3–4%4.5–7.3%
Co-humulone27–35%17–20%
Total oil1–2.7 mL2–3 mL
Myrcene20–30%45–50%
Humulene18–24%28–32%
Caryophyllene9–11%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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