Northern Brewer (US)vsEl Dorado
Northern Brewer (US) (bittering) and El Dorado (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Northern Brewer (US)
Alpha acid
7–10%
Beta acid
3–5.5%
Total oil
1–2 mL
United States
El Dorado
Alpha acid
13–17%
Beta acid
6.4–8%
Total oil
2.5–3.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Northern Brewer (US)
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick El Dorado
- 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
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Northern Brewer (US)
PineWoodyMintBlack currant
Only in El Dorado
FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit
Property
| Property | Northern Brewer (US) | El Dorado |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–10% | 13–17% |
| Beta acid | 3–5.5% | 6.4–8% |
| Co-humulone | 27–34% | 28–33% |
| Total oil | 1–2 mL | 2.5–3.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 35–45% | 55–60% |
| Humulene | 27–31% | 10–15% |
| Caryophyllene | 11–15% | 6–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Nelson Sauvin