AmarillovsSovereign

Amarillo and Sovereign 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

Sovereign

Aroma

Alpha acid

4.5–6.5%

Beta acid

2.1–3.1%

Total oil

0.6–1 mL

United Kingdom

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 Sovereign

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Amarillo

SpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Only in Sovereign

MintFruityGrassyHerbalPear

Property

PropertyAmarilloSovereign
Alpha acid7–11%4.5–6.5%
Beta acid5.5–8%2.1–3.1%
Co-humulone21–24%26–30%
Total oil1–2.3 mL0.6–1 mL
Myrcene40–70%20–31%
Humulene19–24%20–27%
Caryophyllene7–10%7–9%
Farnesene6–9%3–4%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeAromaAroma

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