OpalvsChallenger
Opal and Challenger are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Opal
Alpha acid
5–14%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
0.8–1.3 mL
Germany
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Opal
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Challenger
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Opal
Black currantCitrusSpicyFloralHerbalAnise
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Property
| Property | Opal | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–14% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 13–34% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.3 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–45% | 30–42% |
| Humulene | 30–50% | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–15% | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Germany | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Northdown
Styrian Golding