Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Hydra
Alpha acid
10.5–13.7%
Beta acid
6.4–7.9%
Total oil
-
United States
Key differences
When to pick Cluster
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Hydra
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cluster
FloralEarthySweet
Only in Hydra
CitrusTangerineMandarinZestResinLimeBerryPeachWatermelonRoseApricotTropical
Property
| Property | Cluster | Hydra |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–9% | 10.5–13.7% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 6.4–7.9% |
| Co-humulone | 33–43% | 27–28% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 38–46% | 54–55% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 11–12% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 8–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |