DefendervsDelta

Defender and Delta are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Defender

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.3–6%

Beta acid

1.1–2.5%

Total oil

0.28–0.98 mL

United Kingdom

Delta

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.5–7%

Beta acid

5.5–7%

Total oil

0.5–1.1 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Defender

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Delta

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Defender

Pleasant

Only in Delta

CitrusMelonSpicy

Property

PropertyDefenderDelta
Alpha acid3.3–6%5.5–7%
Beta acid1.1–2.5%5.5–7%
Co-humulone23–32%22–24%
Total oil0.28–0.98 mL0.5–1.1 mL
Myrcene30–32%25–40%
Humulene34–36%25–35%
Caryophyllene13–15%9–15%
Farnesene3–4%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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