Southern CrossvsEl Dorado
Southern Cross and El Dorado are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Southern Cross
Alpha acid
11–14%
Beta acid
5–7%
Total oil
1.2–2 mL
New Zealand
El Dorado
Alpha acid
13–17%
Beta acid
6.4–8%
Total oil
2.5–3.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Southern Cross
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick El Dorado
- 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
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Tropical
Only in Southern Cross
LemonLimePineSpicyCitrusZest
Only in El Dorado
FruityPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit
Property
| Property | Southern Cross | El Dorado |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11–14% | 13–17% |
| Beta acid | 5–7% | 6.4–8% |
| Co-humulone | 25–28% | 28–33% |
| Total oil | 1.2–2 mL | 2.5–3.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 31–55% | 55–60% |
| Humulene | 13–21% | 10–15% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | 6–8% |
| Farnesene | 6–8% | 0–1% |
| Origin | New Zealand | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Sorachi Ace