ChinookvsPolaris

Chinook and Polaris 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

Polaris

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

18–23%

Beta acid

4.5–6.5%

Total oil

4–5 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Chinook

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Polaris

  • 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 Polaris

MintMentholPineapple

Property

PropertyChinookPolaris
Alpha acid11.5–15%18–23%
Beta acid3–4%4.5–6.5%
Co-humulone27–35%22–29%
Total oil1–2.7 mL4–5 mL
Myrcene20–30%49–51%
Humulene18–24%20–35%
Caryophyllene9–11%8–13%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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