TomahawkvsWakatu

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

Tomahawk

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

Wakatu

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6.5–8.5%

Beta acid

8–8.5%

Total oil

0.9–1.2 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Tomahawk

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Wakatu

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Tomahawk

CitrusBlack currantLicoriceCurryOnion

Only in Wakatu

FloralLimeTropicalZest

Property

PropertyTomahawkWakatu
Alpha acid15–17.5%6.5–8.5%
Beta acid4.5–6%8–8.5%
Co-humulone28–35%28–30%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL0.9–1.2 mL
Myrcene45–55%35–36%
Humulene9–14%16–17%
Caryophyllene6–10%8–9%
Farnesene0–1%6–7%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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