TropicavsSimcoe

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

Tropica

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8.8%

Beta acid

3%

Total oil

-

United States

Simcoe

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.8–3.2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Tropica

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

When to pick Simcoe

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Tropica

PineappleMandarinOrangeTropicalDank

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus

Property

PropertyTropicaSimcoe
Alpha acid8.8%11–15%
Beta acid3%3–5%
Co-humulone-15–21%
Total oil-0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene-40–50%
Humulene-15–20%
Caryophyllene-8–14%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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