NorthdownvsChallenger
Northdown and Challenger are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Northdown
Alpha acid
7–10%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.2–2.5 mL
United States
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Northdown
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Challenger
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Cedar
Only in Northdown
FloralPineBerrySpicy
Only in Challenger
GreenFruity
Property
| Property | Northdown | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–10% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 4–5.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 24–32% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | 1.2–2.5 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 23–29% | 30–42% |
| Humulene | 40–45% | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 13–17% | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |