Vic SecretvsChinook

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

Vic Secret

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–21.8%

Beta acid

5.7–8.7%

Total oil

1.9–2.8 mL

Australia

Chinook

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.5–15%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Vic Secret

  • 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

When to pick Chinook

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Pine

Only in Vic Secret

TropicalPineapplePassion fruitHerbalEarthy

Only in Chinook

ResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis

Property

PropertyVic SecretChinook
Alpha acid14–21.8%11.5–15%
Beta acid5.7–8.7%3–4%
Co-humulone51–57%27–35%
Total oil1.9–2.8 mL1–2.7 mL
Myrcene31–46%20–30%
Humulene9–21%18–24%
Caryophyllene9–15%9–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginAustraliaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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