Idaho 7vsNorthern Brewer (US)
Idaho 7 (aroma) and Northern Brewer (US) (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Idaho 7
Alpha acid
9.5–14.9%
Beta acid
3.5–5%
Total oil
1–2 mL
United States
Northern Brewer (US)
Alpha acid
7–10%
Beta acid
3–5.5%
Total oil
1–2 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Idaho 7
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Northern Brewer (US)
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Black currantPineBlack currant
Only in Idaho 7
TropicalCitrusApricotOrangeGrapefruitPapayaResinFloralEarthy
Only in Northern Brewer (US)
WoodyMint
Property
| Property | Idaho 7 | Northern Brewer (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 9.5–14.9% | 7–10% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5% | 3–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 27–34% |
| Total oil | 1–2 mL | 1–2 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–55% | 35–45% |
| Humulene | 10–20% | 27–31% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–10% | 11–15% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Bittering |