TropicavsCluster

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

Tropica

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8.8%

Beta acid

3%

Total oil

-

United States

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 Tropica

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Cluster

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Tropica

PineappleMandarinOrangeTropicalDank

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Property

PropertyTropicaCluster
Alpha acid8.8%5.5–9%
Beta acid3%4.5–6%
Co-humulone-33–43%
Total oil-0.4–1 mL
Myrcene-38–46%
Humulene-15–20%
Caryophyllene-8–10%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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