VanguardvsAmarillo

Vanguard and Amarillo are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Vanguard

Aroma

Alpha acid

4–6.5%

Beta acid

5.5–7%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Vanguard

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Amarillo

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Vanguard

WoodyTobaccoPleasantGrassyCedar

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyVanguardAmarillo
Alpha acid4–6.5%7–11%
Beta acid5.5–7%5.5–8%
Co-humulone14–20%21–24%
Total oil0.4–1 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene5–15%40–70%
Humulene49–55%19–24%
Caryophyllene13–17%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%6–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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