CitravsNorthern Brewer (US)
Citra (dual purpose) and Northern Brewer (US) (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Citra
Alpha acid
10–15%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1.5–3 mL
United States
Northern Brewer (US)
Alpha acid
7–10%
Beta acid
3–5.5%
Total oil
1–2 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 Northern Brewer (US)
- 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 Northern Brewer (US)
PineWoodyMintBlack currant
Property
| Property | Citra | Northern Brewer (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 10–15% | 7–10% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 3–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–35% | 27–34% |
| Total oil | 1.5–3 mL | 1–2 mL |
| Myrcene | 60–70% | 35–45% |
| Humulene | 7–13% | 27–31% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | 11–15% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |