OrionvsNugget

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

Orion

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–9%

Beta acid

2.5–5.75%

Total oil

0.8–2.1 mL

Germany

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Orion

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

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Orion

Spicy

Only in Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyOrionNugget
Alpha acid6–9%9.5–16%
Beta acid2.5–5.75%3–5.8%
Co-humulone25–30%22–30%
Total oil0.8–2.1 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene41–56%48–59%
Humulene16–26%12–22%
Caryophyllene6–13%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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