Epic
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
1.7–2.5%
Total oil
0.4–0.8 mL
United Kingdom
Riwaka
Alpha acid
4.5–6.5%
Beta acid
4–5%
Total oil
0.8–1.5 mL
New Zealand
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 Riwaka
- 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
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Epic
FruityBerryHerbal
Only in Riwaka
TropicalPassion fruitGrapefruitCitrus
Property
| Property | Epic | Riwaka |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 4.5–6.5% |
| Beta acid | 1.7–2.5% | 4–5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–33% | 29–38% |
| Total oil | 0.4–0.8 mL | 0.8–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 11–12% | 67–70% |
| Humulene | 41–43% | 8–10% |
| Caryophyllene | 1–2% | 2–6% |
| Farnesene | 1–2% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | New Zealand |
| Purpose | Aroma | Aroma |
Calypso