StirlingvsUSDA 008

Stirling and USDA 008 are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Stirling

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.3–1.9 mL

United States

USDA 008

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.1–11.1%

Beta acid

2.7–3.3%

Total oil

1.6–1.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Stirling

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick USDA 008

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Stirling

HerbalCitusSpicy

Only in USDA 008

CitrusSweetPeachMangoStone fruit

Property

PropertyStirlingUSDA 008
Alpha acid6–12%10.1–11.1%
Beta acid4–6%2.7–3.3%
Co-humulone21–28%25–26%
Total oil1.3–1.9 mL1.6–1.7 mL
Myrcene44–48%6–7%
Humulene19–23%48–49%
Caryophyllene5–7%16–17%
Farnesene11–17%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose