Enigma
Alpha acid
13.5–19.4%
Beta acid
4.5–7.1%
Total oil
1.8–3 mL
Australia
Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Enigma
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Herkules
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Enigma
TropicalBerryStone fruitRaspberryRedcurrantWhite
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Property
| Property | Enigma | Herkules |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13.5–19.4% | 12–17% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–7.1% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 37–43% | 32–38% |
| Total oil | 1.8–3 mL | 1.4–2.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 23–30% | 30–50% |
| Humulene | 12–19% | 30–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–8% | 7–12% |
| Farnesene | 9–12% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Australia | Germany |
| Purpose | Aroma | Bittering |
Nelson Sauvin
Warrior