HerkulesvsZeus

Herkules and Zeus 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

Zeus

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

2.4–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Herkules

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Zeus

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Herkules

CitrusMelon

Only in Zeus

Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent

Property

PropertyHerkulesZeus
Alpha acid12–17%13–17.5%
Beta acid4–5.5%4–6.5%
Co-humulone32–38%28–40%
Total oil1.4–2.4 mL2.4–4.5 mL
Myrcene30–50%45–60%
Humulene30–45%9–18%
Caryophyllene7–12%6–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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