Bitter GoldvsColumbus

Bitter Gold and Columbus are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Bitter Gold

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.8%

Beta acid

4.5–8%

Total oil

0.8–3.9 mL

United States

Columbus

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–18%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Bitter Gold

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Columbus

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Bitter Gold

Stone fruitTropicalPearWatermelonGrassyGrapefruit

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurrySpicyCitrusPungentDankCannabis

Property

PropertyBitter GoldColumbus
Alpha acid12–18.8%14–18%
Beta acid4.5–8%4.5–6%
Co-humulone36–41%28–35%
Total oil0.8–3.9 mL2.5–4.5 mL
Myrcene45–68%45–55%
Humulene7–18%9–14%
Caryophyllene7–11%6–10%
Farnesene0–2%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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