El DoradovsLemondrop

El Dorado (dual purpose) and Lemondrop (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

Lemondrop

Aroma

Alpha acid

5–7%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

0.8–2 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 Lemondrop

  • 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 Lemondrop

CitrusLemonFloralMintGreenMelon

Property

PropertyEl DoradoLemondrop
Alpha acid13–17%5–7%
Beta acid6.4–8%4–6%
Co-humulone28–33%28–34%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL0.8–2 mL
Myrcene55–60%45–47%
Humulene10–15%56–58%
Caryophyllene6–8%9–10%
Farnesene0–1%6–7%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeAroma

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