AmarillovsCaliente

Amarillo (aroma) and Caliente (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Caliente

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–16%

Beta acid

4.3%

Total oil

-

United States

Key differences

When to pick Amarillo

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Caliente

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusLemonPeach

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalOrangeMelonApricotGrapefruitDank

Only in Caliente

PineStone fruitMandarinZest

Property

PropertyAmarilloCaliente
Alpha acid7–11%14–16%
Beta acid5.5–8%4.3%
Co-humulone21–24%35%
Total oil1–2.3 mL-
Myrcene40–70%-
Humulene19–24%-
Caryophyllene7–10%-
Farnesene6–9%-
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaDual purpose

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