Northern Brewer (GR)vsCentennial
Northern Brewer (GR) (bittering) and Centennial (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Northern Brewer (GR)
Alpha acid
6–10%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
1–2.1 mL
Germany
Centennial
Alpha acid
7–12%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
1–3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Northern Brewer (GR)
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Centennial
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Pine
Only in Northern Brewer (GR)
MintGrassy
Only in Centennial
CitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine
Property
| Property | Northern Brewer (GR) | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6–10% | 7–12% |
| Beta acid | 3–5% | 3.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 27–33% | 23–30% |
| Total oil | 1–2.1 mL | 1–3 mL |
| Myrcene | 25–45% | 55–65% |
| Humulene | 35–50% | 10–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 10–20% | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |