NorthdownvsSorachi Ace
Northdown and Sorachi Ace 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
Sorachi Ace
Alpha acid
11–16%
Beta acid
6–8%
Total oil
1–3 mL
Japan
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 Sorachi Ace
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Northdown
FloralPineCedarBerrySpicy
Only in Sorachi Ace
LemonDillWoodyTobaccoCitrusHerbal
Property
| Property | Northdown | Sorachi Ace |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–10% | 11–16% |
| Beta acid | 4–5.5% | 6–8% |
| Co-humulone | 24–32% | 23–28% |
| Total oil | 1.2–2.5 mL | 1–3 mL |
| Myrcene | 23–29% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 40–45% | 20–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 13–17% | 7–11% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 2–5% |
| Origin | United States | Japan |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Admiral
Southern Cross