CentennialvsTarget

Centennial (dual purpose) and Target (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Centennial

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

1–3 mL

United States

Target

Bittering

Alpha acid

8.5–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.7%

Total oil

1–1.4 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Centennial

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Target

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Centennial

PineFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Only in Target

MarmaladeSageSpicyPepper

Property

PropertyCentennialTarget
Alpha acid7–12%8.5–13.5%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%4.3–5.7%
Co-humulone23–30%35–40%
Total oil1–3 mL1–1.4 mL
Myrcene55–65%45–55%
Humulene10–20%17–23%
Caryophyllene5–7%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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