OlympicvsAgnus

Olympic (dual purpose) and Agnus (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Olympic

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.6–13.8%

Beta acid

3.8–6.1%

Total oil

0.86–2.55 mL

United States

Agnus

Bittering

Alpha acid

9–14%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

2–3 mL

Czech Republic

Key differences

When to pick Olympic

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Agnus

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusSpicy

Only in Olympic

-

Only in Agnus

LavenderLeatherTobacco

Property

PropertyOlympicAgnus
Alpha acid10.6–13.8%9–14%
Beta acid3.8–6.1%4–6.5%
Co-humulone31%29–38%
Total oil0.86–2.55 mL2–3 mL
Myrcene45–55%40–55%
Humulene9–13%15–20%
Caryophyllene7–12%-
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesCzech Republic
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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