GaiavsTarget

Gaia and Target are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Gaia

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–15%

Beta acid

5–10%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Target

Bittering

Alpha acid

8.5–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.7%

Total oil

1–1.4 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Gaia

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Target

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Gaia

Hoppy

Only in Target

CitrusMarmaladeSagePepper

Property

PropertyGaiaTarget
Alpha acid12–15%8.5–13.5%
Beta acid5–10%4.3–5.7%
Co-humulone20–29%35–40%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL1–1.4 mL
Myrcene23–37%45–55%
Humulene2–4%17–23%
Caryophyllene9–12%8–10%
Farnesene5–7%0–1%
OriginCzech RepublicUnited Kingdom
PurposeBitteringBittering

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