CentennialvsBramling Cross

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

Centennial

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

1–3 mL

United States

Bramling Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8%

Beta acid

2.3–3.2%

Total oil

0.7–1.2 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Centennial

  • 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

When to pick Bramling Cross

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 Centennial

PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Only in Bramling Cross

Black currantLoganberryVanillaLemonSpicy

Property

PropertyCentennialBramling Cross
Alpha acid7–12%5–8%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%2.3–3.2%
Co-humulone23–30%33–35%
Total oil1–3 mL0.7–1.2 mL
Myrcene55–65%35–37%
Humulene10–20%29–31%
Caryophyllene5–7%14–16%
Farnesene0–1%0–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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