El DoradovsSamba

El Dorado (dual purpose) and Samba (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

Samba

Aroma

Alpha acid

8–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 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
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Samba

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

TropicalCandyStone fruit

Only in El Dorado

FruityPearWatermelon

Only in Samba

PineappleMangoOrange

Property

PropertyEl DoradoSamba
Alpha acid13–17%8–12%
Beta acid6.4–8%4–6%
Co-humulone28–33%28–32%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL1.5–2.5 mL
Myrcene55–60%-
Humulene10–15%-
Caryophyllene6–8%-
Farnesene0–1%-
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeAroma

Related comparisons