SimcoevsTaiheke

Simcoe and Taiheke 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

Taiheke

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

1–1.5 mL

New Zealand

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 Taiheke

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

GrapefruitCitrus

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegum

Only in Taiheke

TropicalLemonLimeFloralSpicy

Property

PropertySimcoeTaiheke
Alpha acid11–15%5–9%
Beta acid3–5%5–5.5%
Co-humulone15–21%33–40%
Total oil0.8–3.2 mL1–1.5 mL
Myrcene40–50%50–60%
Humulene15–20%10–20%
Caryophyllene8–14%5–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–5%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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