AmarillovsWai-iti

Amarillo and Wai-iti 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

Wai-iti

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.5–3.5%

Beta acid

4.5–5.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.8 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Amarillo

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Wai-iti

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

SpicyCitrusApricotPeach

Only in Amarillo

FloralTropicalOrangeLemonMelonGrapefruitDank

Only in Wai-iti

Stone fruitLimeMandarin

Property

PropertyAmarilloWai-iti
Alpha acid7–11%2.5–3.5%
Beta acid5.5–8%4.5–5.5%
Co-humulone21–24%22–24%
Total oil1–2.3 mL1.4–1.8 mL
Myrcene40–70%2–4%
Humulene19–24%27–29%
Caryophyllene7–10%8–10%
Farnesene6–9%12–14%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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