ColumbiavsTarget

Columbia (dual purpose) and Target (bittering) 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

Target

Bittering

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 Columbia

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Target

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Columbia

PineappleLemonNoblePungent

Only in Target

MarmaladeSageSpicyPepper

Property

PropertyColumbiaTarget
Alpha acid5–9%8.5–13.5%
Beta acid3–4%4.3–5.7%
Co-humulone40%35–40%
Total oil1–2 mL1–1.4 mL
Myrcene45–55%45–55%
Humulene15–19%17–23%
Caryophyllene9–12%8–10%
Farnesene3–5%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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