Southern CrossvsColumbus
Southern Cross and Columbus are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Southern Cross
Alpha acid
11–14%
Beta acid
5–7%
Total oil
1.2–2 mL
New Zealand
Columbus
Alpha acid
14–18%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
2.5–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Southern Cross
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Columbus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
SpicyCitrus
Only in Southern Cross
LemonLimePineTropicalZest
Only in Columbus
EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurryFloralPungentDankCannabis
Property
| Property | Southern Cross | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11–14% | 14–18% |
| Beta acid | 5–7% | 4.5–6% |
| Co-humulone | 25–28% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 1.2–2 mL | 2.5–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 31–55% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 13–21% | 9–14% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | 6–10% |
| Farnesene | 6–8% | 0–1% |
| Origin | New Zealand | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |