Southern DawnvsStirling

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

Southern Dawn

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.2–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.9%

Total oil

-

South Africa

Stirling

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.3–1.9 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Southern Dawn

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Stirling

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

HerbalSpicy

Only in Southern Dawn

QuinceLemongrassGingerChamomileStrawberryCitrusFruity

Only in Stirling

CitusFloral

Property

PropertySouthern DawnStirling
Alpha acid11.2–13.5%6–12%
Beta acid4.3–5.9%4–6%
Co-humulone31–33%21–28%
Total oil-1.3–1.9 mL
Myrcene22–45%44–48%
Humulene17–25%19–23%
Caryophyllene8–11%5–7%
Farnesene4–10%11–17%
OriginSouth AfricaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose