NorthdownvsSouthern Cross
Northdown and Southern Cross 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
Southern Cross
Alpha acid
11–14%
Beta acid
5–7%
Total oil
1.2–2 mL
New Zealand
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 Southern Cross
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
PineSpicy
Only in Northdown
FloralCedarBerry
Only in Southern Cross
LemonLimeCitrusTropicalZest
Property
| Property | Northdown | Southern Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–10% | 11–14% |
| Beta acid | 4–5.5% | 5–7% |
| Co-humulone | 24–32% | 25–28% |
| Total oil | 1.2–2.5 mL | 1.2–2 mL |
| Myrcene | 23–29% | 31–55% |
| Humulene | 40–45% | 13–21% |
| Caryophyllene | 13–17% | 5–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 6–8% |
| Origin | United States | New Zealand |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Admiral
Sorachi Ace