Simcoe
Alpha acid
11–15%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
0.8–3.2 mL
United States
Zenith
Alpha acid
9–11%
Beta acid
3%
Total oil
-
United States
Key differences
When to pick Simcoe
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Zenith
- 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 Zenith
Floral
Property
| Property | Simcoe | Zenith |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11–15% | 9–11% |
| Beta acid | 3–5% | 3% |
| Co-humulone | 15–21% | 25% |
| Total oil | 0.8–3.2 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 40–50% | 51–53% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 18–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–14% | 6–7% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |