PolarisvsChinook

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

Polaris

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

18–23%

Beta acid

4.5–6.5%

Total oil

4–5 mL

Germany

Chinook

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.5–15%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Polaris

  • 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

When to pick Chinook

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Polaris

MintMentholPineapple

Only in Chinook

PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis

Property

PropertyPolarisChinook
Alpha acid18–23%11.5–15%
Beta acid4.5–6.5%3–4%
Co-humulone22–29%27–35%
Total oil4–5 mL1–2.7 mL
Myrcene49–51%20–30%
Humulene20–35%18–24%
Caryophyllene8–13%9–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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