AmarillovsRiwaka

Amarillo and Riwaka 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

Riwaka

Aroma

Alpha acid

4.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

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 Riwaka

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

TropicalCitrusGrapefruit

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachDank

Only in Riwaka

Passion fruit

Property

PropertyAmarilloRiwaka
Alpha acid7–11%4.5–6.5%
Beta acid5.5–8%4–5%
Co-humulone21–24%29–38%
Total oil1–2.3 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene40–70%67–70%
Humulene19–24%8–10%
Caryophyllene7–10%2–6%
Farnesene6–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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