McKenzie
Alpha acid
9–11%
Beta acid
8–9%
Total oil
2–3 mL
United States
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 McKenzie
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Zeus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in McKenzie
GrapefruitLemonNectarineMelonPineThymeStone fruitDankFloral
Only in Zeus
Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent
Property
| Property | McKenzie | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 9–11% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 8–9% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | - | 28–40% |
| Total oil | 2–3 mL | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 45–60% |
| Humulene | - | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Bittering |