EpicvsBarbe Rouge
Epic and Barbe Rouge are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Epic
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
1.7–2.5%
Total oil
0.4–0.8 mL
United Kingdom
Barbe Rouge
Alpha acid
3.8–10%
Beta acid
3.3–4.6%
Total oil
1.1–3 mL
France
Key differences
When to pick Epic
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Barbe Rouge
- 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
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
BerryHerbal
Only in Epic
Fruity
Only in Barbe Rouge
CitrusKumquatOrangeLimeRedcurrantStrawberryRaspberryFloral
Property
| Property | Epic | Barbe Rouge |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 3.8–10% |
| Beta acid | 1.7–2.5% | 3.3–4.6% |
| Co-humulone | 30–33% | 24–28% |
| Total oil | 0.4–0.8 mL | 1.1–3 mL |
| Myrcene | 11–12% | 35–60% |
| Humulene | 41–43% | 15–25% |
| Caryophyllene | 1–2% | 2–4% |
| Farnesene | 1–2% | 0–4% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | France |
| Purpose | Aroma | Aroma |