Liberty
Alpha acid
3–6.5%
Beta acid
3–4%
Total oil
0.6–1.8 mL
United States
Vanguard
Alpha acid
4–6.5%
Beta acid
5.5–7%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Liberty
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Vanguard
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Liberty
NobleFloralHerbalSpicyDelicateCitrusLemon
Only in Vanguard
WoodyTobaccoPleasantGrassyCedar
Property
| Property | Liberty | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–6.5% | 4–6.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–4% | 5.5–7% |
| Co-humulone | 22–30% | 14–20% |
| Total oil | 0.6–1.8 mL | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 15–25% | 5–15% |
| Humulene | 35–45% | 49–55% |
| Caryophyllene | 10–15% | 13–17% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Aroma |
Hersbrucker