ColumbusvsEl Dorado

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

Columbus

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–18%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

El Dorado

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

13–17%

Beta acid

6.4–8%

Total oil

2.5–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Columbus

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick El Dorado

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurrySpicyCitrusFloralPungentDankCannabis

Only in El Dorado

FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Property

PropertyColumbusEl Dorado
Alpha acid14–18%13–17%
Beta acid4.5–6%6.4–8%
Co-humulone28–35%28–33%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL2.5–3.3 mL
Myrcene45–55%55–60%
Humulene9–14%10–15%
Caryophyllene6–10%6–8%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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