CentennialvsFirst Gold

Centennial and First Gold 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

First Gold

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.6–10%

Beta acid

2.3–4.1%

Total oil

0.7–1.5 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 First Gold

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

FloralTangerine

Only in Centennial

PineCitrusGrapefruit

Only in First Gold

ApricotMagnoliaRedberryHerbalOrangeHerbalSpicy

Property

PropertyCentennialFirst Gold
Alpha acid7–12%5.6–10%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%2.3–4.1%
Co-humulone23–30%29–35%
Total oil1–3 mL0.7–1.5 mL
Myrcene55–65%24–28%
Humulene10–20%20–24%
Caryophyllene5–7%6–7%
Farnesene0–1%2–4%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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