CentennialvsPolaris
Centennial and Polaris are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Centennial
Alpha acid
7–12%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
1–3 mL
United States
Polaris
Alpha acid
18–23%
Beta acid
4.5–6.5%
Total oil
4–5 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Centennial
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Polaris
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Centennial
PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine
Only in Polaris
MintMentholPineapple
Property
| Property | Centennial | Polaris |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–12% | 18–23% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 4.5–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 23–30% | 22–29% |
| Total oil | 1–3 mL | 4–5 mL |
| Myrcene | 55–65% | 49–51% |
| Humulene | 10–20% | 20–35% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–7% | 8–13% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |