Citra
Alpha acid
10–15%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1.5–3 mL
United States
Ernest
Alpha acid
4.4–6.3%
Beta acid
4.5–5.5%
Total oil
0.7–1.1 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Citra
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Ernest
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Citra
CitrusGrapefruitPeachMelonLimeFloralGooseberryPassion fruitLychee
Only in Ernest
GrassyHerbalSpicyStone fruit
Property
| Property | Citra | Ernest |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 10–15% | 4.4–6.3% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 4.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–35% | 50–55% |
| Total oil | 1.5–3 mL | 0.7–1.1 mL |
| Myrcene | 60–70% | 50–60% |
| Humulene | 7–13% | 8–12% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | 0–1% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |