PolarisvsStirling

Polaris and Stirling 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

Stirling

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.3–1.9 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Polaris

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

When to pick Stirling

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Polaris

MintMentholPineapple

Only in Stirling

HerbalCitusSpicyFloral

Property

PropertyPolarisStirling
Alpha acid18–23%6–12%
Beta acid4.5–6.5%4–6%
Co-humulone22–29%21–28%
Total oil4–5 mL1.3–1.9 mL
Myrcene49–51%44–48%
Humulene20–35%19–23%
Caryophyllene8–13%5–7%
Farnesene0–1%11–17%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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