Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Sterling
Alpha acid
5.5–8.5%
Beta acid
4–6%
Total oil
1–2 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Herkules
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Sterling
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Only in Sterling
NobleHerbalSpicyFloral
Property
| Property | Herkules | Sterling |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–17% | 5.5–8.5% |
| Beta acid | 4–5.5% | 4–6% |
| Co-humulone | 32–38% | 22–28% |
| Total oil | 1.4–2.4 mL | 1–2 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–50% | 35–45% |
| Humulene | 30–45% | 16–18% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–12% | 5–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 15–19% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Aroma |