Southern TropicvsZeus

Southern Tropic and Zeus are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Southern Tropic

Bittering

Alpha acid

12.6–18.1%

Beta acid

5–6.5%

Total oil

-

South Africa

Zeus

Bittering

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 Tropic

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Zeus

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Pungent

Only in Southern Tropic

MelonTroicalGuavaButterscotchLemongrassCoconutPineappleBubblegumCitrus

Only in Zeus

Black currantLicoriceCurry

Property

PropertySouthern TropicZeus
Alpha acid12.6–18.1%13–17.5%
Beta acid5–6.5%4–6.5%
Co-humulone26–30%28–40%
Total oil-2.4–4.5 mL
Myrcene19–46%45–60%
Humulene14–40%9–18%
Caryophyllene6–14%6–11%
Farnesene8–11%0–1%
OriginSouth AfricaUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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