Simcoe
Alpha acid
11–15%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
0.8–3.2 mL
United States
Target
Alpha acid
8.5–13.5%
Beta acid
4.3–5.7%
Total oil
1–1.4 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Simcoe
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Target
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in Simcoe
FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegum
Only in Target
MarmaladeSageSpicyPepper
Property
| Property | Simcoe | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11–15% | 8.5–13.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–5% | 4.3–5.7% |
| Co-humulone | 15–21% | 35–40% |
| Total oil | 0.8–3.2 mL | 1–1.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–50% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 17–23% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–14% | 8–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |