Saaz (US)vsAmarillo

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

Saaz (US)

Aroma

Alpha acid

3–4.5%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

0.5–1 mL

United States

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Saaz (US)

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Amarillo

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

SlightlyEarthyNoble

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertySaaz (US)Amarillo
Alpha acid3–4.5%7–11%
Beta acid3–4.5%5.5–8%
Co-humulone24–28%21–24%
Total oil0.5–1 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene25–30%40–70%
Humulene35–40%19–24%
Caryophyllene9–11%7–10%
Farnesene9–13%6–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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