ChinookvsSouthern Tropic

Chinook (dual purpose) and Southern Tropic (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Chinook

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.5–15%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2.7 mL

United States

Southern Tropic

Bittering

Alpha acid

12.6–18.1%

Beta acid

5–6.5%

Total oil

-

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick Chinook

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Southern Tropic

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Chinook

PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis

Only in Southern Tropic

MelonTroicalGuavaButterscotchLemongrassCoconutPungentPineappleBubblegumCitrus

Property

PropertyChinookSouthern Tropic
Alpha acid11.5–15%12.6–18.1%
Beta acid3–4%5–6.5%
Co-humulone27–35%26–30%
Total oil1–2.7 mL-
Myrcene20–30%19–46%
Humulene18–24%14–40%
Caryophyllene9–11%6–14%
Farnesene0–1%8–11%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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