Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Polaris
Alpha acid
18–23%
Beta acid
4.5–6.5%
Total oil
4–5 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Herkules
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Polaris
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Only in Polaris
MintMentholPineapple
Property
| Property | Herkules | Polaris |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–17% | 18–23% |
| Beta acid | 4–5.5% | 4.5–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 32–38% | 22–29% |
| Total oil | 1.4–2.4 mL | 4–5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–50% | 49–51% |
| Humulene | 30–45% | 20–35% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–12% | 8–13% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Germany | Germany |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Warrior