Southern CrossvsSummit
Southern Cross (dual purpose) and Summit (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
Summit
Alpha acid
15–17.5%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
1.5–3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Southern Cross
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Summit
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in Southern Cross
LemonLimePineSpicyTropicalZest
Only in Summit
Black currantAniseIncenseOrangeGrapefruitTangerineEarthyOnionGarlicDankCannabis
Property
| Property | Southern Cross | Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11–14% | 15–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 5–7% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 25–28% | 26–33% |
| Total oil | 1.2–2 mL | 1.5–3 mL |
| Myrcene | 31–55% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 13–21% | 18–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | 12–16% |
| Farnesene | 6–8% | 0–1% |
| Origin | New Zealand | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |