PioneervsNorthdown

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

Pioneer

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8–10.5%

Beta acid

3.5–4.5%

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 Pioneer

  • 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

Cedar

Only in Pioneer

GrapefruitHerbalLemonGrapefruitCrispClean

Only in Northdown

FloralPineBerrySpicy

Property

PropertyPioneerNorthdown
Alpha acid8–10.5%7–10%
Beta acid3.5–4.5%4–5.5%
Co-humulone36–40%24–32%
Total oil1–1.8 mL1.2–2.5 mL
Myrcene34–36%23–29%
Humulene18–25%40–45%
Caryophyllene-13–17%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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