MerkurvsTettnanger

Merkur and Tettnanger are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Merkur

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–16.2%

Beta acid

4.5–7.3%

Total oil

2–3 mL

Germany

Tettnanger

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

2.5–5.8%

Beta acid

2.8–5.3%

Total oil

0.4–1.1 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Merkur

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Tettnanger

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Merkur

SugarPineappleMintCitrusEarthy

Only in Tettnanger

SpicyFloralPepperBlack currant

Property

PropertyMerkurTettnanger
Alpha acid12–16.2%2.5–5.8%
Beta acid4.5–7.3%2.8–5.3%
Co-humulone17–20%22–28%
Total oil2–3 mL0.4–1.1 mL
Myrcene45–50%40–41%
Humulene28–32%20–21%
Caryophyllene8–10%6–7%
Farnesene0–1%11–12%
OriginGermanyGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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