Bitter GoldvsCentennial
Bitter Gold and Centennial are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Bitter Gold
Alpha acid
12–18.8%
Beta acid
4.5–8%
Total oil
0.8–3.9 mL
United States
Centennial
Alpha acid
7–12%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
1–3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Bitter Gold
- 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 Centennial
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
GrapefruitFloral
Only in Bitter Gold
Stone fruitTropicalPearWatermelonGrassy
Only in Centennial
PineCitrusTangerine
Property
| Property | Bitter Gold | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–18.8% | 7–12% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–8% | 3.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 36–41% | 23–30% |
| Total oil | 0.8–3.9 mL | 1–3 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–68% | 55–65% |
| Humulene | 7–18% | 10–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–11% | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | 0–2% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |