Marco PolovsEroica
Marco Polo (dual purpose) and Eroica (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Marco Polo
Alpha acid
12–13%
Beta acid
4.5–5.5%
Total oil
-
China
Eroica
Alpha acid
7.3–14.9%
Beta acid
3–5.3%
Total oil
0.8–1.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Marco Polo
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Eroica
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Marco Polo
GooseberryOreganoElderflower
Only in Eroica
-
Property
| Property | Marco Polo | Eroica |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–13% | 7.3–14.9% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–5.5% | 3–5.3% |
| Co-humulone | 30–35% | 40% |
| Total oil | - | 0.8–1.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–50% | 55–65% |
| Humulene | 15–25% | 0–1% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–12% | 7–13% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | China | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |