Amarillo
Alpha acid
7–11%
Beta acid
5.5–8%
Total oil
1–2.3 mL
United States
Medusa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–6.5%
Total oil
0.4–0.7 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Amarillo
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Medusa
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
CitrusLemonMelonApricotPeach
Only in Amarillo
FloralSpicyTropicalOrangeGrapefruitDank
Only in Medusa
GuavaLimeAlfalfa
Property
| Property | Amarillo | Medusa |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–11% | 3–5% |
| Beta acid | 5.5–8% | 5–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 21–24% | 35–49% |
| Total oil | 1–2.3 mL | 0.4–0.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–70% | 54–55% |
| Humulene | 19–24% | 9–10% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–10% | 13–14% |
| Farnesene | 6–9% | 1–2% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Aroma |