Northern Brewer (GR)vsZeus
Northern Brewer (GR) and Zeus are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Northern Brewer (GR)
Alpha acid
6–10%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
1–2.1 mL
Germany
Zeus
Alpha acid
13–17.5%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
2.4–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Northern Brewer (GR)
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Zeus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- 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 Northern Brewer (GR)
MintGrassyPine
Only in Zeus
Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent
Property
| Property | Northern Brewer (GR) | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6–10% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–5% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 27–33% | 28–40% |
| Total oil | 1–2.1 mL | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 25–45% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 35–50% | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | 10–20% | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |