EurekavsMerkur

Eureka and Merkur are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Eureka

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

17–20%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.4 mL

United States

Merkur

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–16.2%

Beta acid

4.5–7.3%

Total oil

2–3 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Eureka

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Merkur

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

MintCitrus

Only in Eureka

HerbalDarkPeachPineStone fruitBlack currantMandarinDank

Only in Merkur

SugarPineappleEarthy

Property

PropertyEurekaMerkur
Alpha acid17–20%12–16.2%
Beta acid4.5–6%4.5–7.3%
Co-humulone27–30%17–20%
Total oil2.5–4.4 mL2–3 mL
Myrcene42–44%45–50%
Humulene29–30%28–32%
Caryophyllene0–1%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons