OlympicvsTarget

Olympic (dual purpose) and Target (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

Target

Bittering

Alpha acid

8.5–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.7%

Total oil

1–1.4 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Olympic

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Target

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusSpicy

Only in Olympic

-

Only in Target

MarmaladeSagePepper

Property

PropertyOlympicTarget
Alpha acid10.6–13.8%8.5–13.5%
Beta acid3.8–6.1%4.3–5.7%
Co-humulone31%35–40%
Total oil0.86–2.55 mL1–1.4 mL
Myrcene45–55%45–55%
Humulene9–13%17–23%
Caryophyllene7–12%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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