Minstrel
Alpha acid
5–7%
Beta acid
3–3.5%
Total oil
0.5–0.7 mL
United Kingdom
Northdown
Alpha acid
7–10%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.2–2.5 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 Northdown
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
SpicyBerry
Only in Minstrel
HerbalOrange
Only in Northdown
FloralPineCedar
Property
| Property | Minstrel | Northdown |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–7% | 7–10% |
| Beta acid | 3–3.5% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 22–26% | 24–32% |
| Total oil | 0.5–0.7 mL | 1.2–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 22–25% | 23–29% |
| Humulene | 1–4% | 40–45% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 13–17% |
| Farnesene | 7–9% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |