ColumbusvsOrion

Columbus and Orion 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

Orion

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–9%

Beta acid

2.5–5.75%

Total oil

0.8–2.1 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Columbus

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Orion

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurryCitrusFloralPungentDankCannabis

Only in Orion

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Property

PropertyColumbusOrion
Alpha acid14–18%6–9%
Beta acid4.5–6%2.5–5.75%
Co-humulone28–35%25–30%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL0.8–2.1 mL
Myrcene45–55%41–56%
Humulene9–14%16–26%
Caryophyllene6–10%6–13%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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