CitravsEroica

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

Citra

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10–15%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Eroica

Bittering

Alpha acid

7.3–14.9%

Beta acid

3–5.3%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

United States

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 Eroica

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Citra

CitrusGrapefruitPeachMelonLimeFloralGooseberryPassion fruitLychee

Only in Eroica

-

Property

PropertyCitraEroica
Alpha acid10–15%7.3–14.9%
Beta acid3–4.5%3–5.3%
Co-humulone20–35%40%
Total oil1.5–3 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene60–70%55–65%
Humulene7–13%0–1%
Caryophyllene5–8%7–13%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

Related comparisons