HydravsStirling

Hydra and Stirling are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Hydra

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.5–13.7%

Beta acid

6.4–7.9%

Total oil

-

United States

Stirling

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.3–1.9 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Hydra

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Stirling

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Hydra

CitrusTangerineMandarinZestResinLimeBerryPeachWatermelonRoseApricotTropical

Only in Stirling

HerbalCitusSpicyFloral

Property

PropertyHydraStirling
Alpha acid10.5–13.7%6–12%
Beta acid6.4–7.9%4–6%
Co-humulone27–28%21–28%
Total oil-1.3–1.9 mL
Myrcene54–55%44–48%
Humulene11–12%19–23%
Caryophyllene8–9%5–7%
Farnesene0–1%11–17%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose