Pacific CrestvsAmarillo

Pacific Crest and Amarillo are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Pacific Crest

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.9%

Beta acid

3%

Total oil

-

United States

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Pacific Crest

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

When to pick Amarillo

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

FloralSpicy

Only in Pacific Crest

NobleTobaccoEarthyGrassyHerbalPine

Only in Amarillo

TropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyPacific CrestAmarillo
Alpha acid3.9%7–11%
Beta acid3%5.5–8%
Co-humulone27%21–24%
Total oil-1–2.3 mL
Myrcene45–55%40–70%
Humulene19–21%19–24%
Caryophyllene6–10%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%6–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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