SimcoevsVital

Simcoe and Vital 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

Vital

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–16%

Beta acid

6–11%

Total oil

1.1–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Key differences

When to pick Simcoe

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Vital

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus

Only in Vital

PlumLavenderSpicyLicorice

Property

PropertySimcoeVital
Alpha acid11–15%9–16%
Beta acid3–5%6–11%
Co-humulone15–21%21–26%
Total oil0.8–3.2 mL1.1–2.5 mL
Myrcene40–50%40–60%
Humulene15–20%2–5%
Caryophyllene8–14%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%1–3%
OriginUnited StatesCzech Republic
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons