Pioneer
Alpha acid
8–10.5%
Beta acid
3.5–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.8 mL
United Kingdom
Target
Alpha acid
8.5–13.5%
Beta acid
4.3–5.7%
Total oil
1–1.4 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Pioneer
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Target
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Pioneer
CedarGrapefruitHerbalLemonGrapefruitCrispClean
Only in Target
CitrusMarmaladeSageSpicyPepper
Property
| Property | Pioneer | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8–10.5% | 8.5–13.5% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–4.5% | 4.3–5.7% |
| Co-humulone | 36–40% | 35–40% |
| Total oil | 1–1.8 mL | 1–1.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 34–36% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 18–25% | 17–23% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 8–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |
Willamette