CentennialvsRakau
Centennial and Rakau 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
Rakau
Alpha acid
9–12%
Beta acid
5–6%
Total oil
1.8–2.2 mL
New Zealand
Key differences
When to pick Centennial
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Rakau
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Pine
Only in Centennial
CitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine
Only in Rakau
Stone fruitFigFruityApricotResin
Property
| Property | Centennial | Rakau |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–12% | 9–12% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 5–6% |
| Co-humulone | 23–30% | 23–25% |
| Total oil | 1–3 mL | 1.8–2.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 55–65% | 55–57% |
| Humulene | 10–20% | 16–17% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–7% | 5–6% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 4–5% |
| Origin | United States | New Zealand |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |