ColumbusvsStirling

Columbus and Stirling 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

Stirling

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.3–1.9 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 Stirling

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

SpicyFloral

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurryCitrusPungentDankCannabis

Only in Stirling

HerbalCitus

Property

PropertyColumbusStirling
Alpha acid14–18%6–12%
Beta acid4.5–6%4–6%
Co-humulone28–35%21–28%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL1.3–1.9 mL
Myrcene45–55%44–48%
Humulene9–14%19–23%
Caryophyllene6–10%5–7%
Farnesene0–1%11–17%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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