MinstrelvsEroica

Minstrel (dual purpose) and Eroica (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Minstrel

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–7%

Beta acid

3–3.5%

Total oil

0.5–0.7 mL

United Kingdom

Eroica

Bittering

Alpha acid

7.3–14.9%

Beta acid

3–5.3%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Minstrel

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Eroica

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • 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 Minstrel

HerbalSpicyBerryOrange

Only in Eroica

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Property

PropertyMinstrelEroica
Alpha acid5–7%7.3–14.9%
Beta acid3–3.5%3–5.3%
Co-humulone22–26%40%
Total oil0.5–0.7 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene22–25%55–65%
Humulene1–4%0–1%
Caryophyllene-7–13%
Farnesene7–9%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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