Bramling CrossvsCluster

Bramling Cross and Cluster 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

Cluster

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.5–9%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Bramling Cross

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Cluster

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Bramling Cross

Black currantLoganberryVanillaLemonSpicy

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Property

PropertyBramling CrossCluster
Alpha acid5–8%5.5–9%
Beta acid2.3–3.2%4.5–6%
Co-humulone33–35%33–43%
Total oil0.7–1.2 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene35–37%38–46%
Humulene29–31%15–20%
Caryophyllene14–16%8–10%
Farnesene0–2%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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