CentennialvsColumbia

Centennial and Columbia 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

Columbia

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

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 Columbia

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Centennial

PineFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Only in Columbia

PineappleLemonNoblePungent

Property

PropertyCentennialColumbia
Alpha acid7–12%5–9%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%3–4%
Co-humulone23–30%40%
Total oil1–3 mL1–2 mL
Myrcene55–65%45–55%
Humulene10–20%15–19%
Caryophyllene5–7%9–12%
Farnesene0–1%3–5%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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