EroicavsMinstrel

Eroica (bittering) and Minstrel (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Eroica

Bittering

Alpha acid

7.3–14.9%

Beta acid

3–5.3%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

United States

Minstrel

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–7%

Beta acid

3–3.5%

Total oil

0.5–0.7 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Eroica

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Minstrel

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Eroica

-

Only in Minstrel

HerbalSpicyBerryOrange

Property

PropertyEroicaMinstrel
Alpha acid7.3–14.9%5–7%
Beta acid3–5.3%3–3.5%
Co-humulone40%22–26%
Total oil0.8–1.3 mL0.5–0.7 mL
Myrcene55–65%22–25%
Humulene0–1%1–4%
Caryophyllene7–13%-
Farnesene0–1%7–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

Related comparisons