USDA 008vsMount Hood
USDA 008 (dual purpose) and Mount Hood (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
USDA 008
Alpha acid
10.1–11.1%
Beta acid
2.7–3.3%
Total oil
1.6–1.7 mL
United States
Mount Hood
Alpha acid
3.9–8%
Beta acid
5–8%
Total oil
1.2–1.7 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick USDA 008
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Mount Hood
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in USDA 008
FloralCitrusSweetPeachMangoStone fruit
Only in Mount Hood
NobleHerbalPungentSpicy
Property
| Property | USDA 008 | Mount Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 10.1–11.1% | 3.9–8% |
| Beta acid | 2.7–3.3% | 5–8% |
| Co-humulone | 25–26% | 21–23% |
| Total oil | 1.6–1.7 mL | 1.2–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 6–7% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 48–49% | 12–38% |
| Caryophyllene | 16–17% | 7–16% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |