USDA 008vsSimcoe

USDA 008 and Simcoe are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

USDA 008

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.1–11.1%

Beta acid

2.7–3.3%

Total oil

1.6–1.7 mL

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 USDA 008

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
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in USDA 008

FloralSweetPeachMangoStone fruit

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegum

Property

PropertyUSDA 008Simcoe
Alpha acid10.1–11.1%11–15%
Beta acid2.7–3.3%3–5%
Co-humulone25–26%15–21%
Total oil1.6–1.7 mL0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene6–7%40–50%
Humulene48–49%15–20%
Caryophyllene16–17%8–14%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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