Polaris
Alpha acid
18–23%
Beta acid
4.5–6.5%
Total oil
4–5 mL
Germany
Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Polaris
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Herkules
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Polaris
MintMentholPineapple
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Property
| Property | Polaris | Herkules |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 18–23% | 12–17% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6.5% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 22–29% | 32–38% |
| Total oil | 4–5 mL | 1.4–2.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 49–51% | 30–50% |
| Humulene | 20–35% | 30–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–13% | 7–12% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Germany | Germany |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |
Warrior