SunvsCentennial
Sun (bittering) and Centennial (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Sun
Alpha acid
12–16%
Beta acid
4.5–7%
Total oil
-
United States
Centennial
Alpha acid
7–12%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
1–3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Sun
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Centennial
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Sun
Herbal
Only in Centennial
PineCitrusFloralGrapefruitTangerine
Property
| Property | Sun | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–16% | 7–12% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–7% | 3.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 23–30% |
| Total oil | - | 1–3 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 55–65% |
| Humulene | - | 10–20% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |