RakauvsColumbus

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

Rakau

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–12%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

1.8–2.2 mL

New Zealand

Columbus

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–18%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Rakau

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Columbus

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Rakau

Stone fruitFigFruityApricotPineResin

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurrySpicyCitrusFloralPungentDankCannabis

Property

PropertyRakauColumbus
Alpha acid9–12%14–18%
Beta acid5–6%4.5–6%
Co-humulone23–25%28–35%
Total oil1.8–2.2 mL2.5–4.5 mL
Myrcene55–57%45–55%
Humulene16–17%9–14%
Caryophyllene5–6%6–10%
Farnesene4–5%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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