PilgrimvsPioneer

Pilgrim and Pioneer 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

Pioneer

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8–10.5%

Beta acid

3.5–4.5%

Total oil

1–1.8 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Pilgrim

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

When to pick Pioneer

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

LemonGrapefruit

Only in Pilgrim

FruitySpicyCitrusPearBerry

Only in Pioneer

CedarHerbalCrispClean

Property

PropertyPilgrimPioneer
Alpha acid9–13%8–10.5%
Beta acid4.2–5.5%3.5–4.5%
Co-humulone36–38%36–40%
Total oil1–1.8 mL1–1.8 mL
Myrcene30–35%34–36%
Humulene21–25%18–25%
Caryophyllene--
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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