TaihekevsWillamette

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

Taiheke

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

1–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Willamette

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4–7.2%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

0.6–1.6 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Taiheke

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Willamette

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusFloral

Only in Taiheke

TropicalGrapefruitLemonLimeSpicy

Only in Willamette

IncenseElderberryCaramelCurry

Property

PropertyTaihekeWillamette
Alpha acid5–9%4–7.2%
Beta acid5–5.5%3–4.5%
Co-humulone33–40%28–35%
Total oil1–1.5 mL0.6–1.6 mL
Myrcene50–60%30–40%
Humulene10–20%20–27%
Caryophyllene5–10%7–8%
Farnesene0–5%5–6%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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