El DoradovsRakau

El Dorado and Rakau 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

Rakau

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–12%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

1.8–2.2 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

When to pick Rakau

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

FruityStone fruit

Only in El Dorado

TropicalPearWatermelonCandy

Only in Rakau

FigApricotPineResin

Property

PropertyEl DoradoRakau
Alpha acid13–17%9–12%
Beta acid6.4–8%5–6%
Co-humulone28–33%23–25%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL1.8–2.2 mL
Myrcene55–60%55–57%
Humulene10–15%16–17%
Caryophyllene6–8%5–6%
Farnesene0–1%4–5%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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