CentennialvsNorthdown

Centennial and Northdown 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

Northdown

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–10%

Beta acid

4–5.5%

Total oil

1.2–2.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Centennial

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Northdown

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

PineFloral

Only in Centennial

CitrusGrapefruitTangerine

Only in Northdown

CedarBerrySpicy

Property

PropertyCentennialNorthdown
Alpha acid7–12%7–10%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%4–5.5%
Co-humulone23–30%24–32%
Total oil1–3 mL1.2–2.5 mL
Myrcene55–65%23–29%
Humulene10–20%40–45%
Caryophyllene5–7%13–17%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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