El DoradovsHersbrucker
El Dorado (dual purpose) and Hersbrucker (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
El Dorado
Alpha acid
13–17%
Beta acid
6.4–8%
Total oil
2.5–3.3 mL
United States
Hersbrucker
Alpha acid
1.5–5%
Beta acid
2.5–6%
Total oil
0.5–1.3 mL
Germany
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
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Hersbrucker
- 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 Hersbrucker
NobleHayOrangeTobacco
Property
| Property | El Dorado | Hersbrucker |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13–17% | 1.5–5% |
| Beta acid | 6.4–8% | 2.5–6% |
| Co-humulone | 28–33% | 17–25% |
| Total oil | 2.5–3.3 mL | 0.5–1.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 55–60% | 15–30% |
| Humulene | 10–15% | 20–30% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–8% | 8–13% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |
Nelson Sauvin