El Dorado
Alpha acid
13–17%
Beta acid
6.4–8%
Total oil
2.5–3.3 mL
United States
Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick El Dorado
- 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
When to pick Herkules
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in El Dorado
FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Property
| Property | El Dorado | Herkules |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13–17% | 12–17% |
| Beta acid | 6.4–8% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 28–33% | 32–38% |
| Total oil | 2.5–3.3 mL | 1.4–2.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 55–60% | 30–50% |
| Humulene | 10–15% | 30–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–8% | 7–12% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |
Nelson Sauvin