ChinookvsOpal

Chinook and Opal 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

Opal

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–14%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Chinook

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

When to pick Opal

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Chinook

PineResinGrapefruitDankCannabis

Only in Opal

Black currantCitrusFloralHerbalAnise

Property

PropertyChinookOpal
Alpha acid11.5–15%5–14%
Beta acid3–4%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone27–35%13–34%
Total oil1–2.7 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene20–30%20–45%
Humulene18–24%30–50%
Caryophyllene9–11%8–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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