TargetvsAmarillo

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

Target

Bittering

Alpha acid

8.5–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.7%

Total oil

1–1.4 mL

United Kingdom

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Target

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

When to pick Amarillo

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusSpicy

Only in Target

MarmaladeSagePepper

Only in Amarillo

FloralTropicalOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyTargetAmarillo
Alpha acid8.5–13.5%7–11%
Beta acid4.3–5.7%5.5–8%
Co-humulone35–40%21–24%
Total oil1–1.4 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene45–55%40–70%
Humulene17–23%19–24%
Caryophyllene8–10%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%6–9%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeBitteringAroma

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