ColumbiavsAmarillo

Columbia (dual purpose) and Amarillo (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Columbia

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Columbia

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Amarillo

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

LemonCitrus

Only in Columbia

PineappleNoblePungent

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalOrangeMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyColumbiaAmarillo
Alpha acid5–9%7–11%
Beta acid3–4%5.5–8%
Co-humulone40%21–24%
Total oil1–2 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene45–55%40–70%
Humulene15–19%19–24%
Caryophyllene9–12%7–10%
Farnesene3–5%6–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeAroma

Related comparisons