Yakima GoldvsTarget

Yakima Gold (dual purpose) and Target (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Yakima Gold

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–8%

Beta acid

3.5–4.5%

Total oil

0.5–1.5 mL

United States

Target

Bittering

Alpha acid

8.5–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.7%

Total oil

1–1.4 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Yakima Gold

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Target

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Yakima Gold

SmoothGrapefruitLemon

Only in Target

CitrusMarmaladeSageSpicyPepper

Property

PropertyYakima GoldTarget
Alpha acid7–8%8.5–13.5%
Beta acid3.5–4.5%4.3–5.7%
Co-humulone21–23%35–40%
Total oil0.5–1.5 mL1–1.4 mL
Myrcene35–45%45–55%
Humulene18–24%17–23%
Caryophyllene5–9%8–10%
Farnesene8–12%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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