MackinacvsHersbrucker

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

Mackinac

Aroma

Alpha acid

9–14%

Beta acid

2.8–4%

Total oil

1.5–2.2 mL

United States

Hersbrucker

Aroma

Alpha acid

1.5–5%

Beta acid

2.5–6%

Total oil

0.5–1.3 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Mackinac

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Hersbrucker

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Mackinac

TropicalCitrusMelonPapayaSpicyFloralBlack currant

Only in Hersbrucker

NobleHayOrangeTobacco

Property

PropertyMackinacHersbrucker
Alpha acid9–14%1.5–5%
Beta acid2.8–4%2.5–6%
Co-humulone28–35%17–25%
Total oil1.5–2.2 mL0.5–1.3 mL
Myrcene15–17%15–30%
Humulene11–12%20–30%
Caryophyllene4–5%8–13%
Farnesene1–2%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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