ClustervsPilgrim

Cluster and Pilgrim 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

Pilgrim

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–13%

Beta acid

4.2–5.5%

Total oil

1–1.8 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Cluster

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Pilgrim

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Only in Pilgrim

FruitySpicyLemonGrapefruitCitrusPearBerry

Property

PropertyClusterPilgrim
Alpha acid5.5–9%9–13%
Beta acid4.5–6%4.2–5.5%
Co-humulone33–43%36–38%
Total oil0.4–1 mL1–1.8 mL
Myrcene38–46%30–35%
Humulene15–20%21–25%
Caryophyllene8–10%-
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons