Mount RainiervsWillamette

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

Mount Rainier

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9.4%

Beta acid

5–9.2%

Total oil

0.2–3.9 mL

United States

Willamette

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4–7.2%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

0.6–1.6 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Mount Rainier

  • 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

When to pick Willamette

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

FloralCitrus

Only in Mount Rainier

NobleLicoriceSpicy

Only in Willamette

IncenseElderberryCaramelCurry

Property

PropertyMount RainierWillamette
Alpha acid5–9.4%4–7.2%
Beta acid5–9.2%3–4.5%
Co-humulone21–34%28–35%
Total oil0.2–3.9 mL0.6–1.6 mL
Myrcene58–59%30–40%
Humulene17–18%20–27%
Caryophyllene7–8%7–8%
Farnesene0–1%5–6%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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