TargetvsCluster

Target (bittering) and Cluster (dual purpose) 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

Cluster

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.5–9%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Target

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Cluster

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Target

CitrusMarmaladeSageSpicyPepper

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Property

PropertyTargetCluster
Alpha acid8.5–13.5%5.5–9%
Beta acid4.3–5.7%4.5–6%
Co-humulone35–40%33–43%
Total oil1–1.4 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene45–55%38–46%
Humulene17–23%15–20%
Caryophyllene8–10%8–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

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