HersbruckervsMackinac

Hersbrucker and Mackinac 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

Mackinac

Aroma

Alpha acid

9–14%

Beta acid

2.8–4%

Total oil

1.5–2.2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Hersbrucker

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Mackinac

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Hersbrucker

NobleHayOrangeTobacco

Only in Mackinac

TropicalCitrusMelonPapayaSpicyFloralBlack currant

Property

PropertyHersbruckerMackinac
Alpha acid1.5–5%9–14%
Beta acid2.5–6%2.8–4%
Co-humulone17–25%28–35%
Total oil0.5–1.3 mL1.5–2.2 mL
Myrcene15–30%15–17%
Humulene20–30%11–12%
Caryophyllene8–13%4–5%
Farnesene0–1%1–2%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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