Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Ultra
Alpha acid
3–9.7%
Beta acid
3.6–5%
Total oil
0.8–1.5 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 Ultra
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Only in Ultra
MildPleasantFloral
Property
| Property | Herkules | Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–17% | 3–9.7% |
| Beta acid | 4–5.5% | 3.6–5% |
| Co-humulone | 32–38% | 25–35% |
| Total oil | 1.4–2.4 mL | 0.8–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–50% | 50–60% |
| Humulene | 30–45% | 10–15% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–12% | 6–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Aroma |