PilgrimvsNorthdown

Pilgrim and Northdown are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Pilgrim

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–13%

Beta acid

4.2–5.5%

Total oil

1–1.8 mL

United Kingdom

Northdown

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–10%

Beta acid

4–5.5%

Total oil

1.2–2.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Pilgrim

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Northdown

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

SpicyBerry

Only in Pilgrim

FruityLemonGrapefruitCitrusPear

Only in Northdown

FloralPineCedar

Property

PropertyPilgrimNorthdown
Alpha acid9–13%7–10%
Beta acid4.2–5.5%4–5.5%
Co-humulone36–38%24–32%
Total oil1–1.8 mL1.2–2.5 mL
Myrcene30–35%23–29%
Humulene21–25%40–45%
Caryophyllene-13–17%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons