Pilot
Alpha acid
8–11.5%
Beta acid
3.3–5%
Total oil
0.8–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
Zeus
Alpha acid
13–17.5%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
2.4–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Pilot
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Zeus
- 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
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Pilot
LemonSpicyMarmalade
Only in Zeus
Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent
Property
| Property | Pilot | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8–11.5% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 3.3–5% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 28–37% | 28–40% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.5 mL | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 35–40% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 3–6% | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |