Released to the public in 1972, Challenger hops were developed at Wye College from varieties Northern Brewer and German Zattler. It accounted for a significant percentage of the hops grown in the UK during the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Challenger features decent bitterness and a floral aroma and as such are considered fine for bittering or for dry hopping. Its flavor is smooth with balanced floral characteristics, some citrus and a dash of spice.
Want this hop? Browse our recommended stockists below. |
| Also Known As | Wye Challenger |
| Characteristics | |
| Purpose | Bittering & Aroma |
| Alpha Acid Composition | 6.5%-9% |
| Beta Acid Composition | 3.2%-4.5% |
| Co-Humulone Composition | 20%-25% |
| Country | UK |
| Cone Size | Medium to large |
| Cone Density | Moderate to compact |
| Seasonal Maturity | Late |
| Yield Amount | 1400-1800 kg/hectare (1240-1610 lbs/acre) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Resistant to | Resistant to downy mildew and powdery mildew |
| Susceptible to | Susceptible to verticillium wilt |
| Storability | Retains 70%-85% alpha acid after 6 months storage at 20ºC (68ºF) |
| Ease of Harvest | Difficult |
| Total Oil Composition | 1-1.7 mL/100g |
| Myrcene Oil Composition | 30%-42% |
| Humulene Oil Composition | 25%-32% |
| Caryophyllene Oil | 8%-10% |
| Farnesene Oil | 1%-3% |
| Substitutes | Perle (US), Northern Brewer, Admiral |
| Style Guide | Golden Ale, Barley Wine, Imperial Stout |
Where to Buy Challenger HopsAs a listing requirement, all suppliers below ship nationally to their respective countries. |
Yakima Valley Hops (USA)
Great Fermentations (USA)
Hop Alliance (USA)
Northwest Hop Farms (Canada)
BeerCo (Australia)
Hops Direct (USA)
Amazon (USA)
Humlegårdens Ekolager (Sweden)
Brook House Hops (United Kingdom)
Brewshop.co.nz (New Zealand)
Do you sell this hop? Contact Us.
References
http://beerlegends.com/challenger-hops
https://ychhops.com/varieties/challenger
http://www.britishhops.org.uk/challenger/
http://freshops.com/usda-named-hop-variety-descriptions/#usda_id_21043
