El DoradovsSouthern Star

El Dorado and Southern Star 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

Southern Star

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.6%

Beta acid

4–7.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.7 mL

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick El Dorado

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Southern Star

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

TropicalPear

Only in El Dorado

FruityWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Only in Southern Star

QuinceBerryFloralCitrusPineappleTangerinePassion fruitCassisRoseOrangeCoffee

Property

PropertyEl DoradoSouthern Star
Alpha acid13–17%12–18.6%
Beta acid6.4–8%4–7.5%
Co-humulone28–33%25–31%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL1.4–1.7 mL
Myrcene55–60%32–38%
Humulene10–15%23–27%
Caryophyllene6–8%10–14%
Farnesene0–1%8–12%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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