El Dorado
Watermelon-and-pear sweetness.
What it tastes like
El Dorado is one of the sweeter, more candy-like American aroma hops. Watermelon Jolly Rancher, pear, peach, gum drops. It's a hop that often makes hazy IPAs taste 'softer' or 'juicier' — pairs naturally with Mosaic or Citra to round out the fruit.
Best in these styles
Tasting Tip
If a beer reminds you of a Jolly Rancher in the best way, that's almost always El Dorado.Beers showcasing El Dorado
Specific beer examples coming soon.
Substitutes & relatives
If you can't source El Dorado, these hops bring overlapping character.
For brewers — technical profile
Alpha Acid
13–17%
Beta Acid
7–8%
Total Oil
2.5–3.5 mL/100g
Oil composition
myrcene
55-60%
humulene
10-15%
caryophyllene
6-8%
farnesene
<1%
History
Bred by CLS Farms in Yakima, released 2010. El Dorado was one of the first major proprietary varieties from a private US breeding program.
Freshness Note
Holds up reasonably well. The candy/melon note holds within 60–75 days.