LibertyvsTarget

Liberty and Target are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 mL

United States

Target

Bittering

Alpha acid

8.5–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.7%

Total oil

1–1.4 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Liberty

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Target

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

SpicyCitrus

Only in Liberty

NobleFloralHerbalDelicateLemon

Only in Target

MarmaladeSagePepper

Property

PropertyLibertyTarget
Alpha acid3–6.5%8.5–13.5%
Beta acid3–4%4.3–5.7%
Co-humulone22–30%35–40%
Total oil0.6–1.8 mL1–1.4 mL
Myrcene15–25%45–55%
Humulene35–45%17–23%
Caryophyllene10–15%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeBitteringBittering

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