Southern StarvsChinook

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

Southern Star

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.6%

Beta acid

4–7.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.7 mL

South Africa

Chinook

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.5–15%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Southern Star

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Chinook

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Southern Star

QuinceBerryFloralCitrusPineappleTangerineTropicalPassion fruitPearCassisRoseOrangeCoffee

Only in Chinook

PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis

Property

PropertySouthern StarChinook
Alpha acid12–18.6%11.5–15%
Beta acid4–7.5%3–4%
Co-humulone25–31%27–35%
Total oil1.4–1.7 mL1–2.7 mL
Myrcene32–38%20–30%
Humulene23–27%18–24%
Caryophyllene10–14%9–11%
Farnesene8–12%0–1%
OriginSouth AfricaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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