EpicvsSummit

Epic (aroma) and Summit (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Epic

Aroma

Alpha acid

3–5%

Beta acid

1.7–2.5%

Total oil

0.4–0.8 mL

United Kingdom

Summit

Bittering

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Epic

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

When to pick Summit

  • 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
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Epic

FruityBerryHerbal

Only in Summit

Black currantAniseIncenseOrangeGrapefruitTangerineEarthyCitrusOnionGarlicDankCannabis

Property

PropertyEpicSummit
Alpha acid3–5%15–17.5%
Beta acid1.7–2.5%4–6.5%
Co-humulone30–33%26–33%
Total oil0.4–0.8 mL1.5–3 mL
Myrcene11–12%30–40%
Humulene41–43%18–22%
Caryophyllene1–2%12–16%
Farnesene1–2%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeAromaBittering

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