SimcoevsWaimea

Simcoe and Waimea 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

Waimea

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14.5–19%

Beta acid

7–9%

Total oil

1.8–2.3 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Simcoe

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Waimea

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

PineCitrus

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitBerryApricotBubblegum

Only in Waimea

MandarinHerbalTangerine

Property

PropertySimcoeWaimea
Alpha acid11–15%14.5–19%
Beta acid3–5%7–9%
Co-humulone15–21%22–24%
Total oil0.8–3.2 mL1.8–2.3 mL
Myrcene40–50%59–61%
Humulene15–20%9–10%
Caryophyllene8–14%2–3%
Farnesene0–1%4–6%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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