PilotvsCentennial
Pilot (bittering) and Centennial (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Pilot
Alpha acid
8–11.5%
Beta acid
3.3–5%
Total oil
0.8–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
Centennial
Alpha acid
7–12%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
1–3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Pilot
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Centennial
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Pilot
LemonSpicyMarmalade
Only in Centennial
PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine
Property
| Property | Pilot | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8–11.5% | 7–12% |
| Beta acid | 3.3–5% | 3.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 28–37% | 23–30% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.5 mL | 1–3 mL |
| Myrcene | 35–40% | 55–65% |
| Humulene | 3–6% | 10–20% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |