ClustervsSouthern Tropic
Cluster (dual purpose) and Southern Tropic (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Southern Tropic
Alpha acid
12.6–18.1%
Beta acid
5–6.5%
Total oil
-
South Africa
Key differences
When to pick Cluster
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Southern Tropic
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cluster
FloralEarthySweet
Only in Southern Tropic
MelonTroicalGuavaButterscotchLemongrassCoconutPungentPineappleBubblegumCitrus
Property
| Property | Cluster | Southern Tropic |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–9% | 12.6–18.1% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 5–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 33–43% | 26–30% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 38–46% | 19–46% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 14–40% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 6–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 8–11% |
| Origin | United States | South Africa |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |