NorthdownvsCluster

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

Northdown

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–10%

Beta acid

4–5.5%

Total oil

1.2–2.5 mL

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 Northdown

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Cluster

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Northdown

PineCedarBerrySpicy

Only in Cluster

EarthySweet

Property

PropertyNorthdownCluster
Alpha acid7–10%5.5–9%
Beta acid4–5.5%4.5–6%
Co-humulone24–32%33–43%
Total oil1.2–2.5 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene23–29%38–46%
Humulene40–45%15–20%
Caryophyllene13–17%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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