SaphirvsAmarillo

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

Saphir

Aroma

Alpha acid

2–4.5%

Beta acid

4–7%

Total oil

0.8–1.4 mL

Germany

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Saphir

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

Shared aromas

SpicyFloral

Only in Saphir

FruityTangerine

Only in Amarillo

TropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertySaphirAmarillo
Alpha acid2–4.5%7–11%
Beta acid4–7%5.5–8%
Co-humulone12–17%21–24%
Total oil0.8–1.4 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene25–40%40–70%
Humulene20–30%19–24%
Caryophyllene9–14%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%6–9%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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