EpicvsAmarillo

Epic and Amarillo are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Epic

Aroma

Alpha acid

3–5%

Beta acid

1.7–2.5%

Total oil

0.4–0.8 mL

United Kingdom

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Epic

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

When to pick Amarillo

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Epic

FruityBerryHerbal

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyEpicAmarillo
Alpha acid3–5%7–11%
Beta acid1.7–2.5%5.5–8%
Co-humulone30–33%21–24%
Total oil0.4–0.8 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene11–12%40–70%
Humulene41–43%19–24%
Caryophyllene1–2%7–10%
Farnesene1–2%6–9%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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