Marco PolovsMount Hood
Marco Polo (dual purpose) and Mount Hood (aroma) 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
Mount Hood
Alpha acid
3.9–8%
Beta acid
5–8%
Total oil
1.2–1.7 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Marco Polo
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Mount Hood
- 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 Marco Polo
GooseberryOreganoElderflower
Only in Mount Hood
NobleHerbalPungentSpicy
Property
| Property | Marco Polo | Mount Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–13% | 3.9–8% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–5.5% | 5–8% |
| Co-humulone | 30–35% | 21–23% |
| Total oil | - | 1.2–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–50% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 15–25% | 12–38% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–12% | 7–16% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | China | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |
Hersbrucker