LibertyvsSouthern Tropic
Liberty and Southern Tropic are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Liberty
Alpha acid
3–6.5%
Beta acid
3–4%
Total oil
0.6–1.8 mL
United States
Southern Tropic
Alpha acid
12.6–18.1%
Beta acid
5–6.5%
Total oil
-
South Africa
Key differences
When to pick Liberty
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Southern Tropic
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in Liberty
NobleFloralHerbalSpicyDelicateLemon
Only in Southern Tropic
MelonTroicalGuavaButterscotchLemongrassCoconutPungentPineappleBubblegum
Property
| Property | Liberty | Southern Tropic |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–6.5% | 12.6–18.1% |
| Beta acid | 3–4% | 5–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 22–30% | 26–30% |
| Total oil | 0.6–1.8 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 15–25% | 19–46% |
| Humulene | 35–45% | 14–40% |
| Caryophyllene | 10–15% | 6–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 8–11% |
| Origin | United States | South Africa |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |