ColumbusvsMotueka

Columbus and Motueka 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

Motueka

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8.5%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1 mL

New Zealand

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 Motueka

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusFloral

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurrySpicyPungentDankCannabis

Only in Motueka

MojitoLimeLemonTropical

Property

PropertyColumbusMotueka
Alpha acid14–18%5–8.5%
Beta acid4.5–6%5–5.5%
Co-humulone28–35%25–35%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL0.8–1 mL
Myrcene45–55%47–48%
Humulene9–14%3–4%
Caryophyllene6–10%1–3%
Farnesene0–1%12–13%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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