Southern CrossvsZeus
Southern Cross (dual purpose) and Zeus (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
Zeus
Alpha acid
13–17.5%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
2.4–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Southern Cross
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Zeus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- 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 Zeus
Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent
Property
| Property | Southern Cross | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11–14% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 5–7% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 25–28% | 28–40% |
| Total oil | 1.2–2 mL | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 31–55% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 13–21% | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | 6–8% | 0–1% |
| Origin | New Zealand | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |