Southern CrossvsSimcoe

Southern Cross and Simcoe are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Southern Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–14%

Beta acid

5–7%

Total oil

1.2–2 mL

New Zealand

Simcoe

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.8–3.2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Southern Cross

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Simcoe

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

PineCitrus

Only in Southern Cross

LemonLimeSpicyTropicalZest

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitBerryApricotBubblegum

Property

PropertySouthern CrossSimcoe
Alpha acid11–14%11–15%
Beta acid5–7%3–5%
Co-humulone25–28%15–21%
Total oil1.2–2 mL0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene31–55%40–50%
Humulene13–21%15–20%
Caryophyllene5–8%8–14%
Farnesene6–8%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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