CentennialvsMarco Polo

Centennial and Marco Polo 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

Marco Polo

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–13%

Beta acid

4.5–5.5%

Total oil

-

China

Key differences

When to pick Centennial

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Marco Polo

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Centennial

PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Only in Marco Polo

GooseberryOreganoElderflower

Property

PropertyCentennialMarco Polo
Alpha acid7–12%12–13%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%4.5–5.5%
Co-humulone23–30%30–35%
Total oil1–3 mL-
Myrcene55–65%40–50%
Humulene10–20%15–25%
Caryophyllene5–7%8–12%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesChina
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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