NorthdownvsOlympic

Northdown and Olympic 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

Olympic

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.6–13.8%

Beta acid

3.8–6.1%

Total oil

0.86–2.55 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Northdown

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Olympic

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Northdown

FloralPineCedarBerry

Only in Olympic

Citrus

Property

PropertyNorthdownOlympic
Alpha acid7–10%10.6–13.8%
Beta acid4–5.5%3.8–6.1%
Co-humulone24–32%31%
Total oil1.2–2.5 mL0.86–2.55 mL
Myrcene23–29%45–55%
Humulene40–45%9–13%
Caryophyllene13–17%7–12%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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