HydravsCluster

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

Hydra

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.5–13.7%

Beta acid

6.4–7.9%

Total oil

-

United States

Cluster

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.5–9%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Hydra

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

When to pick Cluster

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 Hydra

CitrusTangerineMandarinZestResinLimeBerryPeachWatermelonRoseApricotTropical

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Property

PropertyHydraCluster
Alpha acid10.5–13.7%5.5–9%
Beta acid6.4–7.9%4.5–6%
Co-humulone27–28%33–43%
Total oil-0.4–1 mL
Myrcene54–55%38–46%
Humulene11–12%15–20%
Caryophyllene8–9%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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