CentennialvsDefender
Centennial (dual purpose) and Defender (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Centennial
Alpha acid
7–12%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
1–3 mL
United States
Defender
Alpha acid
3.3–6%
Beta acid
1.1–2.5%
Total oil
0.28–0.98 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
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Defender
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Centennial
PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine
Only in Defender
Pleasant
Property
| Property | Centennial | Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–12% | 3.3–6% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 1.1–2.5% |
| Co-humulone | 23–30% | 23–32% |
| Total oil | 1–3 mL | 0.28–0.98 mL |
| Myrcene | 55–65% | 30–32% |
| Humulene | 10–20% | 34–36% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–7% | 13–15% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 3–4% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |