Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Minstrel
Alpha acid
5–7%
Beta acid
3–3.5%
Total oil
0.5–0.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Cluster
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
When to pick Minstrel
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cluster
FloralEarthySweet
Only in Minstrel
HerbalSpicyBerryOrange
Property
| Property | Cluster | Minstrel |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–9% | 5–7% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 3–3.5% |
| Co-humulone | 33–43% | 22–26% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 0.5–0.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 38–46% | 22–25% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 1–4% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 7–9% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |