ColumbusvsVic Secret

Columbus and Vic Secret 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

Vic Secret

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–21.8%

Beta acid

5.7–8.7%

Total oil

1.9–2.8 mL

Australia

Key differences

When to pick Columbus

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Vic Secret

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Earthy

Only in Columbus

Black currantLicoriceCurrySpicyCitrusFloralPungentDankCannabis

Only in Vic Secret

TropicalPineapplePinePassion fruitHerbal

Property

PropertyColumbusVic Secret
Alpha acid14–18%14–21.8%
Beta acid4.5–6%5.7–8.7%
Co-humulone28–35%51–57%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL1.9–2.8 mL
Myrcene45–55%31–46%
Humulene9–14%9–21%
Caryophyllene6–10%9–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesAustralia
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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