Target Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 8.5 - 13.5%United Kingdom
Flavor & aroma
Target is a legendary high-alpha variety that has served as a cornerstone of British brewing since its public release in 1972. Developed at the world-renowned Wye College in the early 70s, it was a breakthrough for the UK industry: the first variety to marry massive bittering power with the agricultural "grit" needed to thrive in Kent’s unpredictable climate.
As a direct descendant of Northern Brewer and Eastwell Goldings, Target bridges the gap between Victorian-era tradition and modern efficiency. While it is a cousin to the more subtle Challenger, Target was bred for impact. It transformed the UK hop industry by allowing brewers to achieve bold bitterness with far less plant material. Though once viewed as a utilitarian workhorse, it has been rediscovered by the craft movement as a premier aromatic hop for those who want a quintessentially English soul with a modern, assertive edge.
If you can't find Target, the best alternatives are Admiral, Fuggle, Northdown, Northern Brewer, or Willamette.
At A Glance
| Profile | Fresh Sage, Cedar, Cracked Black Pepper, Dried Currants |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 8.5 - 13.5% |
| Substitutes | Admiral, Fuggle, Northdown, Northern Brewer, Willamette |
| Pairs with | Challenger (for a balanced English blend), East Kent Golding (to soften the spice), Fuggle (for an earthy foundation) |
| Beer Styles | British Pale Ale, ESB, Porter, Stout, Brown Ale |
General Information
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Alias | Wye Target |
| Storage Stability | Retains 45 - 55% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 8.5 - 13.5% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 4.5 - 5.7% |
| Cohumulone | 29.0 - 37.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.2 - 1.8 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 45.0 - 55.0% |
| Humulene | 17.0 - 22.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 8.0 - 10.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
| Linalool | 0.3 - 0.5% |
| B-Pinene | 0.4 - 0.6% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 1,200 - 1,600 lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Late season |
| Resistant | Verticillium Wilt (high) |
| Susceptible | Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew |
| Growth Rate | High |
| Cones | Medium size, compact, and very heavy |
| Ease of Harvest | Good; bines are robust and cones are resilient to machine picking |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Medium green |
| Side Arm Length | 20" - 30" |
Target Aroma/Flavor Profile
- 2026-03-05 00:50:16