Marco PolovsChinook

Marco Polo and Chinook are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Marco Polo

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–13%

Beta acid

4.5–5.5%

Total oil

-

China

Chinook

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.5–15%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Marco Polo

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

When to pick Chinook

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Marco Polo

GooseberryOreganoElderflower

Only in Chinook

PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis

Property

PropertyMarco PoloChinook
Alpha acid12–13%11.5–15%
Beta acid4.5–5.5%3–4%
Co-humulone30–35%27–35%
Total oil-1–2.7 mL
Myrcene40–50%20–30%
Humulene15–25%18–24%
Caryophyllene8–12%9–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginChinaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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