NorthdownvsNugget

Northdown and Nugget are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Northdown

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–10%

Beta acid

4–5.5%

Total oil

1.2–2.5 mL

United States

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Northdown

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Nugget

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Northdown

FloralPineCedarBerrySpicy

Only in Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyNorthdownNugget
Alpha acid7–10%9.5–16%
Beta acid4–5.5%3–5.8%
Co-humulone24–32%22–30%
Total oil1.2–2.5 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene23–29%48–59%
Humulene40–45%12–22%
Caryophyllene13–17%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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