Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Vanguard
Alpha acid
4–6.5%
Beta acid
5.5–7%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Cluster
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Vanguard
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cluster
FloralEarthySweet
Only in Vanguard
WoodyTobaccoPleasantGrassyCedar
Property
| Property | Cluster | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–9% | 4–6.5% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 5.5–7% |
| Co-humulone | 33–43% | 14–20% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 38–46% | 5–15% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 49–55% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 13–17% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |
Hersbrucker