VitalvsSimcoe

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

Vital

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–16%

Beta acid

6–11%

Total oil

1.1–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

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 Vital

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Simcoe

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Vital

PlumLavenderSpicyLicorice

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus

Property

PropertyVitalSimcoe
Alpha acid9–16%11–15%
Beta acid6–11%3–5%
Co-humulone21–26%15–21%
Total oil1.1–2.5 mL0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene40–60%40–50%
Humulene2–5%15–20%
Caryophyllene5–8%8–14%
Farnesene1–3%0–1%
OriginCzech RepublicUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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