HersbruckervsAhtanum

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

Hersbrucker

Aroma

Alpha acid

1.5–5%

Beta acid

2.5–6%

Total oil

0.5–1.3 mL

Germany

Ahtanum

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

0.5–1.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Hersbrucker

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

When to pick Ahtanum

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • 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 Hersbrucker

NobleHayOrangeTobacco

Only in Ahtanum

CitrusGrapefruitGeraniumPineEarthyFloralCedarLemon

Property

PropertyHersbruckerAhtanum
Alpha acid1.5–5%3.5–6.5%
Beta acid2.5–6%4–6.5%
Co-humulone17–25%30–35%
Total oil0.5–1.3 mL0.5–1.7 mL
Myrcene15–30%45–55%
Humulene20–30%15–22%
Caryophyllene8–13%9–12%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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