El DoradovsDelta

El Dorado (dual purpose) and Delta (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

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 El Dorado

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Delta

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in El Dorado

FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Only in Delta

CitrusMelonSpicy

Property

PropertyEl DoradoDelta
Alpha acid13–17%5.5–7%
Beta acid6.4–8%5.5–7%
Co-humulone28–33%22–24%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL0.5–1.1 mL
Myrcene55–60%25–40%
Humulene10–15%25–35%
Caryophyllene6–8%9–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeAroma

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