ChinookvsSouthern Cross

Chinook and Southern Cross 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

Southern Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–14%

Beta acid

5–7%

Total oil

1.2–2 mL

New Zealand

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 Southern Cross

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

PineSpicy

Only in Chinook

ResinGrapefruitDankCannabis

Only in Southern Cross

LemonLimeCitrusTropicalZest

Property

PropertyChinookSouthern Cross
Alpha acid11.5–15%11–14%
Beta acid3–4%5–7%
Co-humulone27–35%25–28%
Total oil1–2.7 mL1.2–2 mL
Myrcene20–30%31–55%
Humulene18–24%13–21%
Caryophyllene9–11%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%6–8%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons