Defender
Alpha acid
3.3–6%
Beta acid
1.1–2.5%
Total oil
0.28–0.98 mL
United Kingdom
Zeus
Alpha acid
13–17.5%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
2.4–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Defender
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
When to pick Zeus
- 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
- 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 Defender
Pleasant
Only in Zeus
Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent
Property
| Property | Defender | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3.3–6% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 1.1–2.5% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 23–32% | 28–40% |
| Total oil | 0.28–0.98 mL | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–32% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 34–36% | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | 13–15% | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | 3–4% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Bittering |