HorizonvsChallenger
Horizon and Challenger are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Horizon
Alpha acid
8.8–12%
Beta acid
5.5–7.5%
Total oil
0.5–1.5 mL
United States
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Horizon
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
When to pick Challenger
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Horizon
FloralCitrusSpicyFloral
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Property
| Property | Horizon | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8.8–12% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 5.5–7.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 16–19% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | 0.5–1.5 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–55% | 30–42% |
| Humulene | 10–20% | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–14% | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | 3–5% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |