ColumbiavsCentennial

Columbia and Centennial 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

Centennial

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

1–3 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 Centennial

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Columbia

PineappleLemonNoblePungent

Only in Centennial

PineFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Property

PropertyColumbiaCentennial
Alpha acid5–9%7–12%
Beta acid3–4%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone40%23–30%
Total oil1–2 mL1–3 mL
Myrcene45–55%55–65%
Humulene15–19%10–20%
Caryophyllene9–12%5–7%
Farnesene3–5%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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