SunvsZeus

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

Sun

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–16%

Beta acid

4.5–7%

Total oil

-

United States

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 Sun

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Zeus

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Sun

Herbal

Only in Zeus

Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent

Property

PropertySunZeus
Alpha acid12–16%13–17.5%
Beta acid4.5–7%4–6.5%
Co-humulone30–40%28–40%
Total oil-2.4–4.5 mL
Myrcene-45–60%
Humulene-9–18%
Caryophyllene-6–11%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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