ClustervsBramling Cross

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

Cluster

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.5–9%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Bramling Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8%

Beta acid

2.3–3.2%

Total oil

0.7–1.2 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Cluster

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Bramling Cross

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Only in Bramling Cross

Black currantLoganberryVanillaLemonSpicy

Property

PropertyClusterBramling Cross
Alpha acid5.5–9%5–8%
Beta acid4.5–6%2.3–3.2%
Co-humulone33–43%33–35%
Total oil0.4–1 mL0.7–1.2 mL
Myrcene38–46%35–37%
Humulene15–20%29–31%
Caryophyllene8–10%14–16%
Farnesene0–1%0–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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