El DoradovsAhtanum

El Dorado (dual purpose) and Ahtanum (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

El Dorado

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

13–17%

Beta acid

6.4–8%

Total oil

2.5–3.3 mL

United States

Ahtanum

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

0.5–1.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick El Dorado

  • 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

When to pick Ahtanum

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in El Dorado

FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Only in Ahtanum

CitrusGrapefruitGeraniumPineEarthyFloralCedarLemon

Property

PropertyEl DoradoAhtanum
Alpha acid13–17%3.5–6.5%
Beta acid6.4–8%4–6.5%
Co-humulone28–33%30–35%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL0.5–1.7 mL
Myrcene55–60%45–55%
Humulene10–15%15–22%
Caryophyllene6–8%9–12%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeAroma

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