OrionvsWillamette

Orion and Willamette 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

Willamette

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4–7.2%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

0.6–1.6 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Orion

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Willamette

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Orion

Spicy

Only in Willamette

CitrusIncenseElderberryCaramelCurryFloral

Property

PropertyOrionWillamette
Alpha acid6–9%4–7.2%
Beta acid2.5–5.75%3–4.5%
Co-humulone25–30%28–35%
Total oil0.8–2.1 mL0.6–1.6 mL
Myrcene41–56%30–40%
Humulene16–26%20–27%
Caryophyllene6–13%7–8%
Farnesene0–1%5–6%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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