Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Meridian
Alpha acid
5–7%
Beta acid
6–9%
Total oil
1–1.6 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Cluster
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Meridian
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cluster
FloralEarthySweet
Only in Meridian
CitrusLemonBerryTropicalMintSpearmint
Property
| Property | Cluster | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–9% | 5–7% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 6–9% |
| Co-humulone | 33–43% | 45–50% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 1–1.6 mL |
| Myrcene | 38–46% | 29–31% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 7–9% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 3–4% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |