Amarillo
Alpha acid
7–11%
Beta acid
5.5–8%
Total oil
1–2.3 mL
United States
Defender
Alpha acid
3.3–6%
Beta acid
1.1–2.5%
Total oil
0.28–0.98 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Amarillo
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Defender
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Amarillo
FloralSpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank
Only in Defender
Pleasant
Property
| Property | Amarillo | Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–11% | 3.3–6% |
| Beta acid | 5.5–8% | 1.1–2.5% |
| Co-humulone | 21–24% | 23–32% |
| Total oil | 1–2.3 mL | 0.28–0.98 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–70% | 30–32% |
| Humulene | 19–24% | 34–36% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–10% | 13–15% |
| Farnesene | 6–9% | 3–4% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Aroma | Aroma |