Rakau
Alpha acid
9–12%
Beta acid
5–6%
Total oil
1.8–2.2 mL
New Zealand
Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Rakau
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Cluster
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 Rakau
Stone fruitFigFruityApricotPineResin
Only in Cluster
FloralEarthySweet
Property
| Property | Rakau | Cluster |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 9–12% | 5.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 5–6% | 4.5–6% |
| Co-humulone | 23–25% | 33–43% |
| Total oil | 1.8–2.2 mL | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 55–57% | 38–46% |
| Humulene | 16–17% | 15–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–6% | 8–10% |
| Farnesene | 4–5% | 0–1% |
| Origin | New Zealand | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |