HerkulesvsLiberty

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

Herkules

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–17%

Beta acid

4–5.5%

Total oil

1.4–2.4 mL

Germany

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Herkules

  • 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 Liberty

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Herkules

Melon

Only in Liberty

NobleFloralHerbalSpicyDelicateLemon

Property

PropertyHerkulesLiberty
Alpha acid12–17%3–6.5%
Beta acid4–5.5%3–4%
Co-humulone32–38%22–30%
Total oil1.4–2.4 mL0.6–1.8 mL
Myrcene30–50%15–25%
Humulene30–45%35–45%
Caryophyllene7–12%10–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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