TillicumvsHersbrucker
Tillicum (bittering) and Hersbrucker (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Tillicum
Alpha acid
13.5–15.5%
Beta acid
9.5–11.5%
Total oil
-
United States
Hersbrucker
Alpha acid
1.5–5%
Beta acid
2.5–6%
Total oil
0.5–1.3 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Tillicum
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Hersbrucker
- 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 Tillicum
Stone fruitCitrus
Only in Hersbrucker
NobleHayOrangeTobacco
Property
| Property | Tillicum | Hersbrucker |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13.5–15.5% | 1.5–5% |
| Beta acid | 9.5–11.5% | 2.5–6% |
| Co-humulone | 35% | 17–25% |
| Total oil | - | 0.5–1.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 39–41% | 15–30% |
| Humulene | 13–15% | 20–30% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–8% | 8–13% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Bittering | Aroma |