El DoradovsIdaho 7

El Dorado (dual purpose) and Idaho 7 (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

Idaho 7

Aroma

Alpha acid

9.5–14.9%

Beta acid

3.5–5%

Total oil

1–2 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 Idaho 7

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Tropical

Only in El Dorado

FruityPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Only in Idaho 7

Black currantCitrusApricotOrangeGrapefruitPapayaResinPineFloralBlack currantEarthy

Property

PropertyEl DoradoIdaho 7
Alpha acid13–17%9.5–14.9%
Beta acid6.4–8%3.5–5%
Co-humulone28–33%30–40%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL1–2 mL
Myrcene55–60%45–55%
Humulene10–15%10–20%
Caryophyllene6–8%6–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeAroma

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