Polaris
Alpha acid
18–23%
Beta acid
4.5–6.5%
Total oil
4–5 mL
Germany
Amarillo
Alpha acid
7–11%
Beta acid
5.5–8%
Total oil
1–2.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Polaris
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Amarillo
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Polaris
MintMentholPineapple
Only in Amarillo
FloralSpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank
Property
| Property | Polaris | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 18–23% | 7–11% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6.5% | 5.5–8% |
| Co-humulone | 22–29% | 21–24% |
| Total oil | 4–5 mL | 1–2.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 49–51% | 40–70% |
| Humulene | 20–35% | 19–24% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–13% | 7–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 6–9% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |