African QueenvsColumbus
African Queen and Columbus are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
African Queen
Alpha acid
10–17%
Beta acid
3.9–6.2%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
South Africa
Columbus
Alpha acid
14–18%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
2.5–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick African Queen
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Columbus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
CitrusDankBlack currant
Only in African Queen
BlueberryStone fruitGooseberryBubblegumCassisLemongrassChiliesGazpacho
Only in Columbus
EarthyLicoriceCurrySpicyFloralPungentCannabis
Property
| Property | African Queen | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 10–17% | 14–18% |
| Beta acid | 3.9–6.2% | 4.5–6% |
| Co-humulone | 22–30% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 0.7–1.5 mL | 2.5–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–29% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 21–30% | 9–14% |
| Caryophyllene | 10–17% | 6–10% |
| Farnesene | 5–7% | 0–1% |
| Origin | South Africa | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |