Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Nugget
Alpha acid
9.5–16%
Beta acid
3–5.8%
Total oil
0.9–3.3 mL
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 Nugget
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Earthy
Only in Cluster
FloralSweet
Only in Nugget
HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalCoconut
Property
| Property | Cluster | Nugget |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–9% | 9.5–16% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 3–5.8% |
| Co-humulone | 33–43% | 22–30% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 0.9–3.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 38–46% | 48–59% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 12–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 7–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |