CentennialvsSun
Centennial (dual purpose) and Sun (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Centennial
Alpha acid
7–12%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
1–3 mL
United States
Sun
Alpha acid
12–16%
Beta acid
4.5–7%
Total oil
-
United States
Key differences
When to pick Centennial
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Sun
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Centennial
PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine
Only in Sun
Herbal
Property
| Property | Centennial | Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–12% | 12–16% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 4.5–7% |
| Co-humulone | 23–30% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | 1–3 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 55–65% | - |
| Humulene | 10–20% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 5–7% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | - |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |