Southern CrossvsMount Hood
Southern Cross (dual purpose) and Mount Hood (aroma) 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
Mount Hood
Alpha acid
3.9–8%
Beta acid
5–8%
Total oil
1.2–1.7 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Southern Cross
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Mount Hood
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Spicy
Only in Southern Cross
LemonLimePineCitrusTropicalZest
Only in Mount Hood
NobleHerbalPungent
Property
| Property | Southern Cross | Mount Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11–14% | 3.9–8% |
| Beta acid | 5–7% | 5–8% |
| Co-humulone | 25–28% | 21–23% |
| Total oil | 1.2–2 mL | 1.2–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 31–55% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 13–21% | 12–38% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | 7–16% |
| Farnesene | 6–8% | 0–1% |
| Origin | New Zealand | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |
Hersbrucker
Sorachi Ace