WaimeavsMerkur

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

Waimea

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14.5–19%

Beta acid

7–9%

Total oil

1.8–2.3 mL

New Zealand

Merkur

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–16.2%

Beta acid

4.5–7.3%

Total oil

2–3 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Waimea

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

When to pick Merkur

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Waimea

PineMandarinHerbalTangerine

Only in Merkur

SugarPineappleMintEarthy

Property

PropertyWaimeaMerkur
Alpha acid14.5–19%12–16.2%
Beta acid7–9%4.5–7.3%
Co-humulone22–24%17–20%
Total oil1.8–2.3 mL2–3 mL
Myrcene59–61%45–50%
Humulene9–10%28–32%
Caryophyllene2–3%8–10%
Farnesene4–6%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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