TargetvsLiberty

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

Target

Bittering

Alpha acid

8.5–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.7%

Total oil

1–1.4 mL

United Kingdom

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Target

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

When to pick Liberty

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusSpicy

Only in Target

MarmaladeSagePepper

Only in Liberty

NobleFloralHerbalDelicateLemon

Property

PropertyTargetLiberty
Alpha acid8.5–13.5%3–6.5%
Beta acid4.3–5.7%3–4%
Co-humulone35–40%22–30%
Total oil1–1.4 mL0.6–1.8 mL
Myrcene45–55%15–25%
Humulene17–23%35–45%
Caryophyllene8–10%10–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

Related comparisons