OmegavsChallenger
Omega (aroma) and Challenger (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Omega
Alpha acid
9–10%
Beta acid
3–4%
Total oil
-
United Kingdom
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Omega
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
When to pick Challenger
- 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 Omega
-
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Property
| Property | Omega | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 9–10% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 3–4% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | - | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 52–54% | 30–42% |
| Humulene | 16–18% | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 4–6% | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Aroma | Dual purpose |
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