HersbruckervsTarget

Hersbrucker (aroma) and Target (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Hersbrucker

Aroma

Alpha acid

1.5–5%

Beta acid

2.5–6%

Total oil

0.5–1.3 mL

Germany

Target

Bittering

Alpha acid

8.5–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.7%

Total oil

1–1.4 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Hersbrucker

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

When to pick Target

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Hersbrucker

NobleHayOrangeTobacco

Only in Target

CitrusMarmaladeSageSpicyPepper

Property

PropertyHersbruckerTarget
Alpha acid1.5–5%8.5–13.5%
Beta acid2.5–6%4.3–5.7%
Co-humulone17–25%35–40%
Total oil0.5–1.3 mL1–1.4 mL
Myrcene15–30%45–55%
Humulene20–30%17–23%
Caryophyllene8–13%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited Kingdom
PurposeAromaBittering

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