ColumbusvsHydra

Columbus and Hydra 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

Hydra

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.5–13.7%

Beta acid

6.4–7.9%

Total oil

-

United States

Key differences

When to pick Columbus

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

When to pick Hydra

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurrySpicyFloralPungentDankCannabis

Only in Hydra

TangerineMandarinZestResinLimeBerryPeachWatermelonRoseApricotTropical

Property

PropertyColumbusHydra
Alpha acid14–18%10.5–13.7%
Beta acid4.5–6%6.4–7.9%
Co-humulone28–35%27–28%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL-
Myrcene45–55%54–55%
Humulene9–14%11–12%
Caryophyllene6–10%8–9%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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