CentennialvsSmooth Cone

Centennial and Smooth Cone 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

Smooth Cone

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–9.5%

Beta acid

3.4–5.2%

Total oil

0.4–1.14 mL

New Zealand

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 Smooth Cone

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 Smooth Cone

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Property

PropertyCentennialSmooth Cone
Alpha acid7–12%7–9.5%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%3.4–5.2%
Co-humulone23–30%31%
Total oil1–3 mL0.4–1.14 mL
Myrcene55–65%54–56%
Humulene10–20%20–22%
Caryophyllene5–7%5–7%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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