CitravsPilot

Citra (dual purpose) and Pilot (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

Pilot

Bittering

Alpha acid

8–11.5%

Beta acid

3.3–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 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 Pilot

  • 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 Pilot

LemonSpicyMarmalade

Property

PropertyCitraPilot
Alpha acid10–15%8–11.5%
Beta acid3–4.5%3.3–5%
Co-humulone20–35%28–37%
Total oil1.5–3 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene60–70%35–40%
Humulene7–13%3–6%
Caryophyllene5–8%-
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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