SticklebractvsChallenger
Sticklebract and Challenger are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Sticklebract
Alpha acid
12–15%
Beta acid
6–8.5%
Total oil
0.75–1.8 mL
New Zealand
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Sticklebract
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
When to pick Challenger
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Sticklebract
PineCitrus
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Property
| Property | Sticklebract | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–15% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 6–8.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 35–45% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | 0.75–1.8 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 14–64% | 30–42% |
| Humulene | 7–26% | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–13% | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | 4–7% | 0–1% |
| Origin | New Zealand | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Hersbrucker
Simcoe
Sorachi Ace