Mount RainiervsZeus
Mount Rainier (dual purpose) and Zeus (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Mount Rainier
Alpha acid
5–9.4%
Beta acid
5–9.2%
Total oil
0.2–3.9 mL
United States
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 Mount Rainier
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Zeus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Licorice
Only in Mount Rainier
NobleFloralCitrusSpicy
Only in Zeus
Black currantCurryPungent
Property
| Property | Mount Rainier | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–9.4% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 5–9.2% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 21–34% | 28–40% |
| Total oil | 0.2–3.9 mL | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 58–59% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 17–18% | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–8% | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |