AmarillovsHelga

Amarillo and Helga are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Helga

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.4–7.3%

Beta acid

5–7%

Total oil

0.6–1 mL

Australia

Key differences

When to pick Amarillo

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Helga

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 Helga

Noble

Property

PropertyAmarilloHelga
Alpha acid7–11%5.4–7.3%
Beta acid5.5–8%5–7%
Co-humulone21–24%20–23%
Total oil1–2.3 mL0.6–1 mL
Myrcene40–70%1–13%
Humulene19–24%35–55%
Caryophyllene7–10%10–45%
Farnesene6–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesAustralia
PurposeAromaAroma

Related comparisons