Mount HoodvsPolaris
Mount Hood (aroma) and Polaris (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Mount Hood
Alpha acid
3.9–8%
Beta acid
5–8%
Total oil
1.2–1.7 mL
United States
Polaris
Alpha acid
18–23%
Beta acid
4.5–6.5%
Total oil
4–5 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Mount Hood
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
When to pick Polaris
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Mount Hood
NobleHerbalPungentSpicy
Only in Polaris
MintMentholPineapple
Property
| Property | Mount Hood | Polaris |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3.9–8% | 18–23% |
| Beta acid | 5–8% | 4.5–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 21–23% | 22–29% |
| Total oil | 1.2–1.7 mL | 4–5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–40% | 49–51% |
| Humulene | 12–38% | 20–35% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–16% | 8–13% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Aroma | Dual purpose |