CentennialvsOrion

Centennial and Orion 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

Orion

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–9%

Beta acid

2.5–5.75%

Total oil

0.8–2.1 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Centennial

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Orion

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Centennial

PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Only in Orion

Spicy

Property

PropertyCentennialOrion
Alpha acid7–12%6–9%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%2.5–5.75%
Co-humulone23–30%25–30%
Total oil1–3 mL0.8–2.1 mL
Myrcene55–65%41–56%
Humulene10–20%16–26%
Caryophyllene5–7%6–13%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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