PioneervsWillamette

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

Pioneer

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8–10.5%

Beta acid

3.5–4.5%

Total oil

1–1.8 mL

United Kingdom

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 Pioneer

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

When to pick Willamette

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Pioneer

CedarGrapefruitHerbalLemonGrapefruitCrispClean

Only in Willamette

CitrusIncenseElderberryCaramelCurryFloral

Property

PropertyPioneerWillamette
Alpha acid8–10.5%4–7.2%
Beta acid3.5–4.5%3–4.5%
Co-humulone36–40%28–35%
Total oil1–1.8 mL0.6–1.6 mL
Myrcene34–36%30–40%
Humulene18–25%20–27%
Caryophyllene-7–8%
Farnesene0–1%5–6%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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