El DoradovsMount Hood

El Dorado (dual purpose) and Mount Hood (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

Mount Hood

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.9–8%

Beta acid

5–8%

Total oil

1.2–1.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick El Dorado

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Mount Hood

  • 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 Mount Hood

NobleHerbalPungentSpicy

Property

PropertyEl DoradoMount Hood
Alpha acid13–17%3.9–8%
Beta acid6.4–8%5–8%
Co-humulone28–33%21–23%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL1.2–1.7 mL
Myrcene55–60%30–40%
Humulene10–15%12–38%
Caryophyllene6–8%7–16%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeAroma

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