Northern Brewer (US)vsSummit

Northern Brewer (US) and Summit are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Northern Brewer (US)

Bittering

Alpha acid

7–10%

Beta acid

3–5.5%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

Summit

Bittering

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Northern Brewer (US)

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Summit

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Black currant

Only in Northern Brewer (US)

PineWoodyMint

Only in Summit

AniseIncenseOrangeGrapefruitTangerineEarthyCitrusOnionGarlicDankCannabis

Property

PropertyNorthern Brewer (US)Summit
Alpha acid7–10%15–17.5%
Beta acid3–5.5%4–6.5%
Co-humulone27–34%26–33%
Total oil1–2 mL1.5–3 mL
Myrcene35–45%30–40%
Humulene27–31%18–22%
Caryophyllene11–15%12–16%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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