Southern CrossvsEroica
Southern Cross (dual purpose) and Eroica (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Southern Cross
Alpha acid
11–14%
Beta acid
5–7%
Total oil
1.2–2 mL
New Zealand
Eroica
Alpha acid
7.3–14.9%
Beta acid
3–5.3%
Total oil
0.8–1.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Southern Cross
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Eroica
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Southern Cross
LemonLimePineSpicyCitrusTropicalZest
Only in Eroica
-
Property
| Property | Southern Cross | Eroica |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11–14% | 7.3–14.9% |
| Beta acid | 5–7% | 3–5.3% |
| Co-humulone | 25–28% | 40% |
| Total oil | 1.2–2 mL | 0.8–1.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 31–55% | 55–65% |
| Humulene | 13–21% | 0–1% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | 7–13% |
| Farnesene | 6–8% | 0–1% |
| Origin | New Zealand | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |