SimcoevsUSDA 008

Simcoe and USDA 008 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

USDA 008

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.1–11.1%

Beta acid

2.7–3.3%

Total oil

1.6–1.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Simcoe

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick USDA 008

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegum

Only in USDA 008

FloralSweetPeachMangoStone fruit

Property

PropertySimcoeUSDA 008
Alpha acid11–15%10.1–11.1%
Beta acid3–5%2.7–3.3%
Co-humulone15–21%25–26%
Total oil0.8–3.2 mL1.6–1.7 mL
Myrcene40–50%6–7%
Humulene15–20%48–49%
Caryophyllene8–14%16–17%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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