Hop Variety Alpha Acid Chart
Alpha acid content determines a hop's bittering potential. Higher alpha acid hops are more efficient for bittering, while lower alpha varieties are prized for their aroma and flavour contributions. This chart covers the most popular varieties used by UK homebrewers.
Hop Varieties
| Variety | Alpha Acid (%) | Use | Origin | Flavour Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo | 8–11 | Dual | US | Orange, grapefruit, floral |
| Cascade | 4.5–7 | Aroma | US | Citrus, grapefruit, floral |
| Centennial | 9.5–11.5 | Dual | US | Citrus, pine, floral |
| Challenger | 6.5–8.5 | Dual | UK | Cedar, green tea, marmalade |
| Chinook | 12–14 | Bittering | US | Pine, spice, grapefruit |
| Citra | 11–13 | Dual | US | Tropical fruit, citrus, passion fruit |
| Columbus / CTZ | 14–17 | Bittering | US | Earthy, pungent, citrus |
| East Kent Goldings | 5–6.5 | Aroma | UK | Floral, honey, earthy, spicy |
| El Dorado | 14–16 | Dual | US | Tropical, stone fruit, candy |
| Fuggle | 3.5–5.5 | Aroma | UK | Earthy, woody, mild fruit |
| Galaxy | 13–15 | Dual | Australia | Passion fruit, peach, citrus |
| Hallertau Mittelfruh | 3–5.5 | Aroma | Germany | Mild spice, floral, herbal |
| Magnum | 12–14 | Bittering | Germany | Clean, neutral bitterness |
| Mosaic | 11.5–13.5 | Dual | US | Berry, tropical, herbal, earthy |
| Motueka | 6.5–7.5 | Aroma | New Zealand | Lime, lemon, tropical |
| Nelson Sauvin | 12–13 | Dual | New Zealand | White wine, gooseberry, grape |
| Northdown | 7.5–9.5 | Dual | UK | Cedar, pine, berry |
| Northern Brewer | 8–10 | Bittering | UK | Woody, minty, evergreen |
| Perle | 6–9 | Dual | Germany | Spicy, mint, slight fruit |
| Saaz | 3–4.5 | Aroma | Czech Republic | Noble: earthy, spicy, herbal |
| Simcoe | 12–14 | Dual | US | Pine, earthy, citrus, berry |
| Styrian Goldings | 4.5–6 | Aroma | Slovenia | Earthy, mild spice, white pepper |
| Target | 9.5–12.5 | Bittering | UK | Earthy, sage, citrus |
| Tettnang | 3.5–5.5 | Aroma | Germany | Noble: mild spice, floral, herbal |
| Vic Secret | 14–17 | Dual | Australia | Pineapple, pine, herbs |
| Warrior | 15–17 | Bittering | US | Clean, smooth, mild citrus |
| Willamette | 4–6 | Aroma | US | Herbal, floral, fruit, earthy |
| Wye Challenger | 6.5–8.5 | Dual | UK | Cedar, spice, marmalade |
Alpha acid percentages are typical ranges — actual values vary by crop year, growing conditions and supplier.
Hop Calculators
Calculate bitterness, late hop additions and dry hop quantities:
- Hop Calculators — IBU calculator, hop substitution tool, dry hop calculator and more
Hop varieties are often available as pellets (Type 90) or whole leaf. Pellets are roughly 10% more efficient at utilisation than whole hops. Store hops sealed and frozen to preserve alpha acids.