Smooth ConevsCluster

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

Smooth Cone

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–9.5%

Beta acid

3.4–5.2%

Total oil

0.4–1.14 mL

New Zealand

Cluster

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.5–9%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Smooth Cone

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Cluster

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Smooth Cone

-

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Property

PropertySmooth ConeCluster
Alpha acid7–9.5%5.5–9%
Beta acid3.4–5.2%4.5–6%
Co-humulone31%33–43%
Total oil0.4–1.14 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene54–56%38–46%
Humulene20–22%15–20%
Caryophyllene5–7%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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