El DoradovsIdaho Gem

El Dorado and Idaho Gem are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

El Dorado

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

13–17%

Beta acid

6.4–8%

Total oil

2.5–3.3 mL

United States

Idaho Gem

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–14%

Beta acid

5–7%

Total oil

1.3–2.3 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

When to pick Idaho Gem

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Stone fruit

Only in El Dorado

FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandy

Only in Idaho Gem

PineappleCherryCandiedHerbalSpicyMintCitrusRedberryMojitoSweet

Property

PropertyEl DoradoIdaho Gem
Alpha acid13–17%11–14%
Beta acid6.4–8%5–7%
Co-humulone28–33%40–45%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL1.3–2.3 mL
Myrcene55–60%-
Humulene10–15%-
Caryophyllene6–8%-
Farnesene0–1%-
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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