NorthdownvsWaimea

Northdown and Waimea 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

Waimea

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14.5–19%

Beta acid

7–9%

Total oil

1.8–2.3 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 Waimea

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Pine

Only in Northdown

FloralCedarBerrySpicy

Only in Waimea

CitrusMandarinHerbalTangerine

Property

PropertyNorthdownWaimea
Alpha acid7–10%14.5–19%
Beta acid4–5.5%7–9%
Co-humulone24–32%22–24%
Total oil1.2–2.5 mL1.8–2.3 mL
Myrcene23–29%59–61%
Humulene40–45%9–10%
Caryophyllene13–17%2–3%
Farnesene0–1%4–6%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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