El DoradovsSimcoe

El Dorado and Simcoe 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

Simcoe

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.8–3.2 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

When to pick Simcoe

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Fruity

Only in El Dorado

TropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Only in Simcoe

EarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus

Property

PropertyEl DoradoSimcoe
Alpha acid13–17%11–15%
Beta acid6.4–8%3–5%
Co-humulone28–33%15–21%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene55–60%40–50%
Humulene10–15%15–20%
Caryophyllene6–8%8–14%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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