Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Target
Alpha acid
8.5–13.5%
Beta acid
4.3–5.7%
Total oil
1–1.4 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Cluster
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Target
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- 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 Target
CitrusMarmaladeSageSpicyPepper
Property
| Property | Cluster | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–9% | 8.5–13.5% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 4.3–5.7% |
| Co-humulone | 33–43% | 35–40% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 1–1.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 38–46% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 17–23% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 8–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |