DefendervsMount Hood
Defender and Mount Hood are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Defender
Alpha acid
3.3–6%
Beta acid
1.1–2.5%
Total oil
0.28–0.98 mL
United Kingdom
Mount Hood
Alpha acid
3.9–8%
Beta acid
5–8%
Total oil
1.2–1.7 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 Mount Hood
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- 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 Mount Hood
NobleHerbalPungentSpicy
Property
| Property | Defender | Mount Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3.3–6% | 3.9–8% |
| Beta acid | 1.1–2.5% | 5–8% |
| Co-humulone | 23–32% | 21–23% |
| Total oil | 0.28–0.98 mL | 1.2–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–32% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 34–36% | 12–38% |
| Caryophyllene | 13–15% | 7–16% |
| Farnesene | 3–4% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Aroma |
Hersbrucker