NuggetvsCluster

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

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 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 Nugget

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • 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

Shared aromas

Earthy

Only in Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalCoconut

Only in Cluster

FloralSweet

Property

PropertyNuggetCluster
Alpha acid9.5–16%5.5–9%
Beta acid3–5.8%4.5–6%
Co-humulone22–30%33–43%
Total oil0.9–3.3 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene48–59%38–46%
Humulene12–22%15–20%
Caryophyllene7–10%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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