PioneervsPilgrim

Pioneer and Pilgrim 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

Pilgrim

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–13%

Beta acid

4.2–5.5%

Total oil

1–1.8 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Pioneer

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

When to pick Pilgrim

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

GrapefruitLemonGrapefruit

Only in Pioneer

CedarHerbalCrispClean

Only in Pilgrim

FruitySpicyCitrusPearBerry

Property

PropertyPioneerPilgrim
Alpha acid8–10.5%9–13%
Beta acid3.5–4.5%4.2–5.5%
Co-humulone36–40%36–38%
Total oil1–1.8 mL1–1.8 mL
Myrcene34–36%30–35%
Humulene18–25%21–25%
Caryophyllene--
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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