El DoradovsMotueka

El Dorado and Motueka 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

Motueka

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8.5%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1 mL

New Zealand

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

When to pick Motueka

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Tropical

Only in El Dorado

FruityPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Only in Motueka

CitrusMojitoLimeLemonFloral

Property

PropertyEl DoradoMotueka
Alpha acid13–17%5–8.5%
Beta acid6.4–8%5–5.5%
Co-humulone28–33%25–35%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL0.8–1 mL
Myrcene55–60%47–48%
Humulene10–15%3–4%
Caryophyllene6–8%1–3%
Farnesene0–1%12–13%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons