Southern TropicvsStirling
Southern Tropic (bittering) and Stirling (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
Stirling
Alpha acid
6–12%
Beta acid
4–6%
Total oil
1.3–1.9 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Southern Tropic
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Stirling
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- 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 Stirling
HerbalCitusSpicyFloral
Property
| Property | Southern Tropic | Stirling |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12.6–18.1% | 6–12% |
| Beta acid | 5–6.5% | 4–6% |
| Co-humulone | 26–30% | 21–28% |
| Total oil | - | 1.3–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 19–46% | 44–48% |
| Humulene | 14–40% | 19–23% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–14% | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | 8–11% | 11–17% |
| Origin | South Africa | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |