First GoldvsChallenger
First Gold and Challenger are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
First Gold
Alpha acid
5.6–10%
Beta acid
2.3–4.1%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick First Gold
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Challenger
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in First Gold
TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryHerbalOrangeHerbalSpicyFloral
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Property
| Property | First Gold | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.6–10% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 2.3–4.1% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–35% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | 0.7–1.5 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 24–28% | 30–42% |
| Humulene | 20–24% | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–7% | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | 2–4% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
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