SimcoevsStirling

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

Simcoe

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.8–3.2 mL

United States

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 Simcoe

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Stirling

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus

Only in Stirling

HerbalCitusSpicyFloral

Property

PropertySimcoeStirling
Alpha acid11–15%6–12%
Beta acid3–5%4–6%
Co-humulone15–21%21–28%
Total oil0.8–3.2 mL1.3–1.9 mL
Myrcene40–50%44–48%
Humulene15–20%19–23%
Caryophyllene8–14%5–7%
Farnesene0–1%11–17%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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