ChinookvsSouthern Star

Chinook and Southern Star 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 Star

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.6%

Beta acid

4–7.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.7 mL

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick Chinook

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

When to pick Southern Star

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Chinook

PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis

Only in Southern Star

QuinceBerryFloralCitrusPineappleTangerineTropicalPassion fruitPearCassisRoseOrangeCoffee

Property

PropertyChinookSouthern Star
Alpha acid11.5–15%12–18.6%
Beta acid3–4%4–7.5%
Co-humulone27–35%25–31%
Total oil1–2.7 mL1.4–1.7 mL
Myrcene20–30%32–38%
Humulene18–24%23–27%
Caryophyllene9–11%10–14%
Farnesene0–1%8–12%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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