Marco PolovsZeus
Marco Polo (dual purpose) and Zeus (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
Zeus
Alpha acid
13–17.5%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
2.4–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Marco Polo
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Zeus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- 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 Zeus
Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent
Property
| Property | Marco Polo | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–13% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–5.5% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–35% | 28–40% |
| Total oil | - | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–50% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 15–25% | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–12% | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | China | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |