Northdown was developed at Wye College in England in the early 1970’s and was initially bred primarily for its resistance to downy mildew. It is the offspring of Northern Brewer and Challenger and an aunt to Target.
It is a dual-purpose hop but is particularly good in the early to mid stages of the boil. It is considered slightly higher impacting in flavor than its parent, Challenger. This flavor is considered fresh, flowery and piney with notes of berry and spice.
| Characteristics | Fresh, flowery, piney, berry and spice |
| Purpose | Bittering & Aroma |
| Alpha Acid Composition | 7%-10% |
| Beta Acid Composition | 4%-5.5% |
| Co-Humulone Composition | 24%-32% |
| Country | UK |
| Cone Size | Medium to large |
| Cone Density | Loose |
| Seasonal Maturity | Mid |
| Yield Amount | 1320-1700 kg/hectare (1180-1520 lbs/acre) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to high |
| Resistant to | |
| Susceptible to | |
| Storability | Retains 60%-70% alpha acid after 6 months storage at 20ºC (68ºF) |
| Ease of Harvest | Difficult |
| Total Oil Composition | 1.2-2.5 mL/100g |
| Myrcene Oil Composition | 23%-29% |
| Humulene Oil Composition | 37%-45% |
| Caryophyllene Oil | 13%-17% |
| Farnesene Oil | 0%-1% |
| Substitutes | Challenger, Admiral |
| Style Guide | Blonde Ale |