Bramling CrossvsCitra

Bramling Cross and Citra are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Bramling Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8%

Beta acid

2.3–3.2%

Total oil

0.7–1.2 mL

United Kingdom

Citra

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10–15%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Bramling Cross

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

When to pick Citra

  • 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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Bramling Cross

Black currantLoganberryVanillaLemonSpicy

Only in Citra

CitrusGrapefruitPeachMelonLimeFloralGooseberryPassion fruitLychee

Property

PropertyBramling CrossCitra
Alpha acid5–8%10–15%
Beta acid2.3–3.2%3–4.5%
Co-humulone33–35%20–35%
Total oil0.7–1.2 mL1.5–3 mL
Myrcene35–37%60–70%
Humulene29–31%7–13%
Caryophyllene14–16%5–8%
Farnesene0–2%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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