Northern Brewer (US)vsNugget
Northern Brewer (US) (bittering) and Nugget (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
Nugget
Alpha acid
9.5–16%
Beta acid
3–5.8%
Total oil
0.9–3.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Northern Brewer (US)
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Nugget
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- 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 Nugget
HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut
Property
| Property | Northern Brewer (US) | Nugget |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–10% | 9.5–16% |
| Beta acid | 3–5.5% | 3–5.8% |
| Co-humulone | 27–34% | 22–30% |
| Total oil | 1–2 mL | 0.9–3.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 35–45% | 48–59% |
| Humulene | 27–31% | 12–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 11–15% | 7–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |