El DoradovsCentennial

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

El Dorado

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

13–17%

Beta acid

6.4–8%

Total oil

2.5–3.3 mL

United States

Centennial

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

1–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick El Dorado

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

When to pick Centennial

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 El Dorado

FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Only in Centennial

PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Property

PropertyEl DoradoCentennial
Alpha acid13–17%7–12%
Beta acid6.4–8%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone28–33%23–30%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL1–3 mL
Myrcene55–60%55–65%
Humulene10–15%10–20%
Caryophyllene6–8%5–7%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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