PilgrimvsCluster

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

Pilgrim

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–13%

Beta acid

4.2–5.5%

Total oil

1–1.8 mL

United Kingdom

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 Pilgrim

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

When to pick Cluster

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Pilgrim

FruitySpicyLemonGrapefruitCitrusPearBerry

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Property

PropertyPilgrimCluster
Alpha acid9–13%5.5–9%
Beta acid4.2–5.5%4.5–6%
Co-humulone36–38%33–43%
Total oil1–1.8 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene30–35%38–46%
Humulene21–25%15–20%
Caryophyllene-8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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