PilgrimvsSimcoe

Pilgrim and Simcoe 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

Simcoe

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.8–3.2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Pilgrim

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

When to pick Simcoe

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

FruityGrapefruitCitrusBerry

Only in Pilgrim

SpicyLemonPear

Only in Simcoe

EarthyPassion fruitPineApricotBubblegum

Property

PropertyPilgrimSimcoe
Alpha acid9–13%11–15%
Beta acid4.2–5.5%3–5%
Co-humulone36–38%15–21%
Total oil1–1.8 mL0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene30–35%40–50%
Humulene21–25%15–20%
Caryophyllene-8–14%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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