CentennialvsVital

Centennial and Vital 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

Vital

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–16%

Beta acid

6–11%

Total oil

1.1–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Key differences

When to pick Centennial

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Vital

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • 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 Vital

PlumLavenderSpicyLicorice

Property

PropertyCentennialVital
Alpha acid7–12%9–16%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%6–11%
Co-humulone23–30%21–26%
Total oil1–3 mL1.1–2.5 mL
Myrcene55–65%40–60%
Humulene10–20%2–5%
Caryophyllene5–7%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%1–3%
OriginUnited StatesCzech Republic
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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