AmarillovsHersbrucker

Amarillo and Hersbrucker 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

Hersbrucker

Aroma

Alpha acid

1.5–5%

Beta acid

2.5–6%

Total oil

0.5–1.3 mL

Germany

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 Hersbrucker

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Orange

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalCitrusLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Only in Hersbrucker

NobleHayTobacco

Property

PropertyAmarilloHersbrucker
Alpha acid7–11%1.5–5%
Beta acid5.5–8%2.5–6%
Co-humulone21–24%17–25%
Total oil1–2.3 mL0.5–1.3 mL
Myrcene40–70%15–30%
Humulene19–24%20–30%
Caryophyllene7–10%8–13%
Farnesene6–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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