PolarisvsCentennial

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

Polaris

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

18–23%

Beta acid

4.5–6.5%

Total oil

4–5 mL

Germany

Centennial

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

1–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Polaris

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Centennial

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Polaris

MintMentholPineapple

Only in Centennial

PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine

Property

PropertyPolarisCentennial
Alpha acid18–23%7–12%
Beta acid4.5–6.5%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone22–29%23–30%
Total oil4–5 mL1–3 mL
Myrcene49–51%55–65%
Humulene20–35%10–20%
Caryophyllene8–13%5–7%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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