Sovereign
Alpha acid
4.5–6.5%
Beta acid
2.1–3.1%
Total oil
0.6–1 mL
United Kingdom
Zeus
Alpha acid
13–17.5%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
2.4–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Sovereign
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Zeus
- 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 Zeus
Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent
Property
| Property | Sovereign | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–6.5% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 2.1–3.1% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 26–30% | 28–40% |
| Total oil | 0.6–1 mL | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–31% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 20–27% | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–9% | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | 3–4% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Bittering |