Southern TropicvsChinook
Southern Tropic (bittering) and Chinook (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Southern Tropic
Alpha acid
12.6–18.1%
Beta acid
5–6.5%
Total oil
-
South Africa
Chinook
Alpha acid
11.5–15%
Beta acid
3–4%
Total oil
1–2.7 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Southern Tropic
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Chinook
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Southern Tropic
MelonTroicalGuavaButterscotchLemongrassCoconutPungentPineappleBubblegumCitrus
Only in Chinook
PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis
Property
| Property | Southern Tropic | Chinook |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12.6–18.1% | 11.5–15% |
| Beta acid | 5–6.5% | 3–4% |
| Co-humulone | 26–30% | 27–35% |
| Total oil | - | 1–2.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 19–46% | 20–30% |
| Humulene | 14–40% | 18–24% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–14% | 9–11% |
| Farnesene | 8–11% | 0–1% |
| Origin | South Africa | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |