El DoradovsLiberty

El Dorado (dual purpose) and Liberty (bittering) 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

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 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 Liberty

  • 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 Liberty

NobleFloralHerbalSpicyDelicateCitrusLemon

Property

PropertyEl DoradoLiberty
Alpha acid13–17%3–6.5%
Beta acid6.4–8%3–4%
Co-humulone28–33%22–30%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL0.6–1.8 mL
Myrcene55–60%15–25%
Humulene10–15%35–45%
Caryophyllene6–8%10–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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