Petit BlancvsSimcoe
Petit Blanc (aroma) and Simcoe (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Petit Blanc
Alpha acid
2–4%
Beta acid
5–6%
Total oil
0.5–0.8 mL
France
Simcoe
Alpha acid
11–15%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
0.8–3.2 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Petit Blanc
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
When to pick Simcoe
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- 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 Petit Blanc
CherryMelonPapayaGreenLilac
Only in Simcoe
FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus
Property
| Property | Petit Blanc | Simcoe |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 2–4% | 11–15% |
| Beta acid | 5–6% | 3–5% |
| Co-humulone | 15% | 15–21% |
| Total oil | 0.5–0.8 mL | 0.8–3.2 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 40–50% |
| Humulene | - | 15–20% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 8–14% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | France | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Dual purpose |