TropicavsXJA2/436

Tropica (dual purpose) and XJA2/436 (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Tropica

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8.8%

Beta acid

3%

Total oil

-

United States

XJA2/436

Bittering

Alpha acid

11.5–16.4%

Beta acid

7.8–8.4%

Total oil

1.1–1.7 mL

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick Tropica

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick XJA2/436

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Tropica

PineappleMandarinOrangeTropicalDank

Only in XJA2/436

LemonZestPapayaCataloupeGooseberryResinCitrusBlueberry

Property

PropertyTropicaXJA2/436
Alpha acid8.8%11.5–16.4%
Beta acid3%7.8–8.4%
Co-humulone-29–30%
Total oil-1.1–1.7 mL
Myrcene-18–30%
Humulene-21–35%
Caryophyllene-11–13%
Farnesene-8–18%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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