Sovereign
Alpha acid
4.5–6.5%
Beta acid
2.1–3.1%
Total oil
0.6–1 mL
United Kingdom
Target
Alpha acid
8.5–13.5%
Beta acid
4.3–5.7%
Total oil
1–1.4 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Sovereign
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
When to pick Target
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Sovereign
MintFruityFloralGrassyHerbalPear
Only in Target
CitrusMarmaladeSageSpicyPepper
Property
| Property | Sovereign | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–6.5% | 8.5–13.5% |
| Beta acid | 2.1–3.1% | 4.3–5.7% |
| Co-humulone | 26–30% | 35–40% |
| Total oil | 0.6–1 mL | 1–1.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–31% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 20–27% | 17–23% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–9% | 8–10% |
| Farnesene | 3–4% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Aroma | Bittering |
Willamette