PilotvsProgress

Pilot (bittering) and Progress (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Pilot

Bittering

Alpha acid

8–11.5%

Beta acid

3.3–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

United Kingdom

Progress

Aroma

Alpha acid

5–7.5%

Beta acid

1.8–2.7%

Total oil

0.5–0.8 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Pilot

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Progress

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Pilot

LemonSpicyMarmalade

Only in Progress

GrassyMintSweetHoneyBlack currantFruityFloral

Property

PropertyPilotProgress
Alpha acid8–11.5%5–7.5%
Beta acid3.3–5%1.8–2.7%
Co-humulone28–37%25–27%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL0.5–0.8 mL
Myrcene35–40%25–30%
Humulene3–6%40–47%
Caryophyllene-12–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
PurposeBitteringAroma

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