Crystal
Alpha acid
2.8–6%
Beta acid
4.5–8.5%
Total oil
0.8–2.3 mL
United States
Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Crystal
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Herkules
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Crystal
WoodyFloralGreenFruitySpicyCinnamonNutmegBlack currant
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Property
| Property | Crystal | Herkules |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 2.8–6% | 12–17% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–8.5% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–26% | 32–38% |
| Total oil | 0.8–2.3 mL | 1.4–2.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–55% | 30–50% |
| Humulene | 20–30% | 30–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–12% | 7–12% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Aroma | Bittering |
Strisselspalt