HydravsEroica

Hydra (dual purpose) and Eroica (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Hydra

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.5–13.7%

Beta acid

6.4–7.9%

Total oil

-

United States

Eroica

Bittering

Alpha acid

7.3–14.9%

Beta acid

3–5.3%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Hydra

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Eroica

  • 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 Hydra

CitrusTangerineMandarinZestResinLimeBerryPeachWatermelonRoseApricotTropical

Only in Eroica

-

Property

PropertyHydraEroica
Alpha acid10.5–13.7%7.3–14.9%
Beta acid6.4–7.9%3–5.3%
Co-humulone27–28%40%
Total oil-0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene54–55%55–65%
Humulene11–12%0–1%
Caryophyllene8–9%7–13%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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