Target Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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.

Substitution Tip

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

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Black Pepper Cedar Currant Sage
Variety Name
Admiral Challenger East Kent Golding Eastwell Goldings Fuggle Northdown Northern Brewer Willamette
Beer Style
British Pale Ale Brown Ale Esb Porter Stout
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
United Kingdom
Breeding/Supplier
Wye College
Last Updated
  • 2026-03-04 17:50:16
Source(s)

Hops Catalog

Navigating This Profile
  • The Stats: Use the Purpose and Alpha % to understand the hop's bitterness and aromatic strength.
  • Discovery Tags: Scroll down to find clickable tags for Flavor, Origin, and Usage.
  • The Network: Click any tag (like #Citrus or #New Zealand) to instantly view every other hop in our catalog that shares that trait.
Discovery Tag Spotlight

  • #Floral (The Delicate Finish)

    A mellow Sunday pour. From jasmine to dried rose petals, floral hops provide a sophisticated aroma without overpowering the palate. Perfect for delicate Belgian styles. Explore #Floral Hops!
Recently added hops
Did you know?
  • Dwarf variety hops grow shorter in height than traditional varieties but, importantly, produce the same yield. This combination makes harvest easier.
Explanations
  • Storage: is based on the percentage of alpha acids remaining after 6 months at 20*F.
  • Oil composition percetages are based on the total percentage of oil in the hop. Example: 10 - 20% means that for the specific oil it is 10 - 20% of the overall oil make up.