AmarillovsXJA2/436

Amarillo (aroma) and XJA2/436 (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

XJA2/436

Bittering

Alpha acid

11.5–16.4%

Beta acid

7.8–8.4%

Total oil

1.1–1.7 mL

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick Amarillo

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick XJA2/436

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusLemon

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalOrangeMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Only in XJA2/436

ZestPapayaCataloupeGooseberryResinBlueberry

Property

PropertyAmarilloXJA2/436
Alpha acid7–11%11.5–16.4%
Beta acid5.5–8%7.8–8.4%
Co-humulone21–24%29–30%
Total oil1–2.3 mL1.1–1.7 mL
Myrcene40–70%18–30%
Humulene19–24%21–35%
Caryophyllene7–10%11–13%
Farnesene6–9%8–18%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeAromaBittering

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