HBC 586vsSimcoe

HBC 586 and Simcoe are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

HBC 586

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

18–22%

Beta acid

11–14%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

Simcoe

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.8–3.2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick HBC 586

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Simcoe

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in HBC 586

MangoLycheeHerbalGuavaSpicy

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegum

Property

PropertyHBC 586Simcoe
Alpha acid18–22%11–15%
Beta acid11–14%3–5%
Co-humulone35–40%15–21%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene55–65%40–50%
Humulene8–12%15–20%
Caryophyllene8–10%8–14%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons