Defender
Alpha acid
3.3–6%
Beta acid
1.1–2.5%
Total oil
0.28–0.98 mL
United Kingdom
Simcoe
Alpha acid
11–15%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
0.8–3.2 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Defender
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
When to pick Simcoe
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Defender
Pleasant
Only in Simcoe
FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus
Property
| Property | Defender | Simcoe |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3.3–6% | 11–15% |
| Beta acid | 1.1–2.5% | 3–5% |
| Co-humulone | 23–32% | 15–21% |
| Total oil | 0.28–0.98 mL | 0.8–3.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–32% | 40–50% |
| Humulene | 34–36% | 15–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 13–15% | 8–14% |
| Farnesene | 3–4% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Dual purpose |