WakatuvsSimcoe

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

Wakatu

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6.5–8.5%

Beta acid

8–8.5%

Total oil

0.9–1.2 mL

New Zealand

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 Wakatu

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Simcoe

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Wakatu

FloralLimeTropicalZest

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus

Property

PropertyWakatuSimcoe
Alpha acid6.5–8.5%11–15%
Beta acid8–8.5%3–5%
Co-humulone28–30%15–21%
Total oil0.9–1.2 mL0.8–3.2 mL
Myrcene35–36%40–50%
Humulene16–17%15–20%
Caryophyllene8–9%8–14%
Farnesene6–7%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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