OlympicvsColumbus

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

Olympic

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.6–13.8%

Beta acid

3.8–6.1%

Total oil

0.86–2.55 mL

United States

Columbus

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–18%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Olympic

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

When to pick Columbus

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusSpicy

Only in Olympic

-

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurryFloralPungentDankCannabis

Property

PropertyOlympicColumbus
Alpha acid10.6–13.8%14–18%
Beta acid3.8–6.1%4.5–6%
Co-humulone31%28–35%
Total oil0.86–2.55 mL2.5–4.5 mL
Myrcene45–55%45–55%
Humulene9–13%9–14%
Caryophyllene7–12%6–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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