Southern CrossvsTomahawk

Southern Cross and Tomahawk 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

Tomahawk

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Southern Cross

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Tomahawk

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Southern Cross

LemonLimePineSpicyTropicalZest

Only in Tomahawk

Black currantLicoriceCurryOnion

Property

PropertySouthern CrossTomahawk
Alpha acid11–14%15–17.5%
Beta acid5–7%4.5–6%
Co-humulone25–28%28–35%
Total oil1.2–2 mL2.5–4.5 mL
Myrcene31–55%45–55%
Humulene13–21%9–14%
Caryophyllene5–8%6–10%
Farnesene6–8%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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