African QueenvsCentennial

African Queen and Centennial are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

African Queen

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10–17%

Beta acid

3.9–6.2%

Total oil

0.7–1.5 mL

South Africa

Centennial

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

1–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick African Queen

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Centennial

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in African Queen

DankBlueberryStone fruitBlack currantGooseberryBubblegumCassisLemongrassChiliesGazpacho

Only in Centennial

PineFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Property

PropertyAfrican QueenCentennial
Alpha acid10–17%7–12%
Beta acid3.9–6.2%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone22–30%23–30%
Total oil0.7–1.5 mL1–3 mL
Myrcene20–29%55–65%
Humulene21–30%10–20%
Caryophyllene10–17%5–7%
Farnesene5–7%0–1%
OriginSouth AfricaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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