CTZvsOrion

CTZ and Orion are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

CTZ

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14.5–17%

Beta acid

4.5–5.5%

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 CTZ

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • 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

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in CTZ

Black currantLicoriceCurryCitrusCannabisDank

Only in Orion

Spicy

Property

PropertyCTZOrion
Alpha acid14.5–17%6–9%
Beta acid4.5–5.5%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

Related comparisons