ColumbiavsAzacca

Columbia and Azacca are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Columbia

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

Azacca

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–16%

Beta acid

4–5.5%

Total oil

1.6–2.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Columbia

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Azacca

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

PineappleLemonCitrus

Only in Columbia

NoblePungent

Only in Azacca

MangoPapayaOrangeGrapefruitSpicyGrassyTropical

Property

PropertyColumbiaAzacca
Alpha acid5–9%14–16%
Beta acid3–4%4–5.5%
Co-humulone40%38–45%
Total oil1–2 mL1.6–2.5 mL
Myrcene45–55%46–55%
Humulene15–19%14–18%
Caryophyllene9–12%8–12%
Farnesene3–5%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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