HersbruckervsAmarillo

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

Hersbrucker

Aroma

Alpha acid

1.5–5%

Beta acid

2.5–6%

Total oil

0.5–1.3 mL

Germany

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Hersbrucker

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

Shared aromas

Orange

Only in Hersbrucker

NobleHayTobacco

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalCitrusLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyHersbruckerAmarillo
Alpha acid1.5–5%7–11%
Beta acid2.5–6%5.5–8%
Co-humulone17–25%21–24%
Total oil0.5–1.3 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene15–30%40–70%
Humulene20–30%19–24%
Caryophyllene8–13%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%6–9%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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