TaihekevsEroica

Taiheke (dual purpose) and Eroica (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Taiheke

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

1–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Eroica

Bittering

Alpha acid

7.3–14.9%

Beta acid

3–5.3%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Taiheke

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Eroica

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • 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 Taiheke

CitrusTropicalGrapefruitLemonLimeFloralSpicy

Only in Eroica

-

Property

PropertyTaihekeEroica
Alpha acid5–9%7.3–14.9%
Beta acid5–5.5%3–5.3%
Co-humulone33–40%40%
Total oil1–1.5 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene50–60%55–65%
Humulene10–20%0–1%
Caryophyllene5–10%7–13%
Farnesene0–5%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

Related comparisons