EroicavsSmooth Cone

Eroica (bittering) and Smooth Cone (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

Smooth Cone

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–9.5%

Beta acid

3.4–5.2%

Total oil

0.4–1.14 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Eroica

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

When to pick Smooth Cone

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Eroica

-

Only in Smooth Cone

-

Property

PropertyEroicaSmooth Cone
Alpha acid7.3–14.9%7–9.5%
Beta acid3–5.3%3.4–5.2%
Co-humulone40%31%
Total oil0.8–1.3 mL0.4–1.14 mL
Myrcene55–65%54–56%
Humulene0–1%20–22%
Caryophyllene7–13%5–7%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

Related comparisons