LambicvsAmarillo

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

Lambic

Aroma

Alpha acid

1–2%

Beta acid

2.8–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.2 mL

United States

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Lambic

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
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Lambic

GrassyWoody

Only in Amarillo

FloralTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyLambicAmarillo
Alpha acid1–2%7–11%
Beta acid2.8–5%5.5–8%
Co-humulone29–35%21–24%
Total oil0.8–1.2 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene-40–70%
Humulene-19–24%
Caryophyllene-7–10%
Farnesene-6–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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