ClustervsSmooth Cone
Cluster and Smooth Cone are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Smooth Cone
Alpha acid
7–9.5%
Beta acid
3.4–5.2%
Total oil
0.4–1.14 mL
New Zealand
Key differences
When to pick Cluster
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Smooth Cone
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cluster
FloralEarthySweet
Only in Smooth Cone
-
Property
| Property | Cluster | Smooth Cone |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–9% | 7–9.5% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 3.4–5.2% |
| Co-humulone | 33–43% | 31% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 0.4–1.14 mL |
| Myrcene | 38–46% | 54–56% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 20–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | New Zealand |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |