Minstrel
Alpha acid
5–7%
Beta acid
3–3.5%
Total oil
0.5–0.7 mL
United Kingdom
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 Minstrel
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Zeus
- 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
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Minstrel
HerbalSpicyBerryOrange
Only in Zeus
Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent
Property
| Property | Minstrel | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–7% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–3.5% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 22–26% | 28–40% |
| Total oil | 0.5–0.7 mL | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 22–25% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 1–4% | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | 7–9% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |