CitravsMistral

Citra and Mistral are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Citra

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10–15%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Mistral

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6.5–8.5%

Beta acid

3.1–3.8%

Total oil

1–1.5 mL

France

Key differences

When to pick Citra

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

When to pick Mistral

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusMelonFloralPassion fruit

Only in Citra

GrapefruitPeachLimeGooseberryLychee

Only in Mistral

GrapesWinePearKumquatMango

Property

PropertyCitraMistral
Alpha acid10–15%6.5–8.5%
Beta acid3–4.5%3.1–3.8%
Co-humulone20–35%29–39%
Total oil1.5–3 mL1–1.5 mL
Myrcene60–70%59–65%
Humulene7–13%9–13%
Caryophyllene5–8%3–4%
Farnesene0–1%2–4%
OriginUnited StatesFrance
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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