MinstrelvsChinook

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

Minstrel

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–7%

Beta acid

3–3.5%

Total oil

0.5–0.7 mL

United Kingdom

Chinook

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.5–15%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Minstrel

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

When to pick Chinook

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Minstrel

HerbalBerryOrange

Only in Chinook

PineResinGrapefruitDankCannabis

Property

PropertyMinstrelChinook
Alpha acid5–7%11.5–15%
Beta acid3–3.5%3–4%
Co-humulone22–26%27–35%
Total oil0.5–0.7 mL1–2.7 mL
Myrcene22–25%20–30%
Humulene1–4%18–24%
Caryophyllene-9–11%
Farnesene7–9%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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