CentennialvsMerkur

Centennial and Merkur 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

Merkur

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–16.2%

Beta acid

4.5–7.3%

Total oil

2–3 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Centennial

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Merkur

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Centennial

PineFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Only in Merkur

SugarPineappleMintEarthy

Property

PropertyCentennialMerkur
Alpha acid7–12%12–16.2%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%4.5–7.3%
Co-humulone23–30%17–20%
Total oil1–3 mL2–3 mL
Myrcene55–65%45–50%
Humulene10–20%28–32%
Caryophyllene5–7%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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