BullionvsCluster

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

Bullion

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.3–12.5%

Beta acid

4.5–6.5%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

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 Bullion

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Cluster

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Bullion

Black currantSpicy

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Property

PropertyBullionCluster
Alpha acid5.3–12.5%5.5–9%
Beta acid4.5–6.5%4.5–6%
Co-humulone47–50%33–43%
Total oil1–2 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene40–55%38–46%
Humulene15–25%15–20%
Caryophyllene9–14%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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