RiwakavsAmarillo

Riwaka and Amarillo are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Riwaka

Aroma

Alpha acid

4.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Riwaka

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Amarillo

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

TropicalGrapefruitCitrus

Only in Riwaka

Passion fruit

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachDank

Property

PropertyRiwakaAmarillo
Alpha acid4.5–6.5%7–11%
Beta acid4–5%5.5–8%
Co-humulone29–38%21–24%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene67–70%40–70%
Humulene8–10%19–24%
Caryophyllene2–6%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%6–9%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

Related comparisons