ColumbusvsSouthern Star

Columbus and Southern Star 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

Southern Star

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.6%

Beta acid

4–7.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.7 mL

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick Columbus

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Southern Star

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusFloral

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurrySpicyPungentDankCannabis

Only in Southern Star

QuinceBerryPineappleTangerineTropicalPassion fruitPearCassisRoseOrangeCoffee

Property

PropertyColumbusSouthern Star
Alpha acid14–18%12–18.6%
Beta acid4.5–6%4–7.5%
Co-humulone28–35%25–31%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL1.4–1.7 mL
Myrcene45–55%32–38%
Humulene9–14%23–27%
Caryophyllene6–10%10–14%
Farnesene0–1%8–12%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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