AmarillovsSaaz (US)

Amarillo and Saaz (US) 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

Saaz (US)

Aroma

Alpha acid

3–4.5%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

0.5–1 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
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Saaz (US)

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 Saaz (US)

SlightlyEarthyNoble

Property

PropertyAmarilloSaaz (US)
Alpha acid7–11%3–4.5%
Beta acid5.5–8%3–4.5%
Co-humulone21–24%24–28%
Total oil1–2.3 mL0.5–1 mL
Myrcene40–70%25–30%
Humulene19–24%35–40%
Caryophyllene7–10%9–11%
Farnesene6–9%9–13%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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