CentennialvsGaia

Centennial (dual purpose) and Gaia (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Centennial

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

1–3 mL

United States

Gaia

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–15%

Beta acid

5–10%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Key differences

When to pick Centennial

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Gaia

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Centennial

PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Only in Gaia

HoppySpicy

Property

PropertyCentennialGaia
Alpha acid7–12%12–15%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%5–10%
Co-humulone23–30%20–29%
Total oil1–3 mL1.5–2.5 mL
Myrcene55–65%23–37%
Humulene10–20%2–4%
Caryophyllene5–7%9–12%
Farnesene0–1%5–7%
OriginUnited StatesCzech Republic
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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