CentennialvsXJA2/436
Centennial (dual purpose) and XJA2/436 (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
XJA2/436
Alpha acid
11.5–16.4%
Beta acid
7.8–8.4%
Total oil
1.1–1.7 mL
South Africa
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 XJA2/436
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in Centennial
PineFloralGrapefruitTangerine
Only in XJA2/436
LemonZestPapayaCataloupeGooseberryResinBlueberry
Property
| Property | Centennial | XJA2/436 |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–12% | 11.5–16.4% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 7.8–8.4% |
| Co-humulone | 23–30% | 29–30% |
| Total oil | 1–3 mL | 1.1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 55–65% | 18–30% |
| Humulene | 10–20% | 21–35% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–7% | 11–13% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 8–18% |
| Origin | United States | South Africa |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |