SunvsAmarillo

Sun (bittering) and Amarillo (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Sun

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–16%

Beta acid

4.5–7%

Total oil

-

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 Sun

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Amarillo

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Sun

Herbal

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertySunAmarillo
Alpha acid12–16%7–11%
Beta acid4.5–7%5.5–8%
Co-humulone30–40%21–24%
Total oil-1–2.3 mL
Myrcene-40–70%
Humulene-19–24%
Caryophyllene-7–10%
Farnesene-6–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringAroma

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