Marco PolovsSimcoe

Marco Polo and Simcoe 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

Simcoe

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.8–3.2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Marco Polo

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Simcoe

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Marco Polo

GooseberryOreganoElderflower

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus

Property

PropertyMarco PoloSimcoe
Alpha acid12–13%11–15%
Beta acid4.5–5.5%3–5%
Co-humulone30–35%15–21%
Total oil-0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene40–50%40–50%
Humulene15–25%15–20%
Caryophyllene8–12%8–14%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginChinaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons