Vic SecretvsColumbus

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

Vic Secret

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–21.8%

Beta acid

5.7–8.7%

Total oil

1.9–2.8 mL

Australia

Columbus

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–18%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Vic Secret

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Columbus

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Earthy

Only in Vic Secret

TropicalPineapplePinePassion fruitHerbal

Only in Columbus

Black currantLicoriceCurrySpicyCitrusFloralPungentDankCannabis

Property

PropertyVic SecretColumbus
Alpha acid14–21.8%14–18%
Beta acid5.7–8.7%4.5–6%
Co-humulone51–57%28–35%
Total oil1.9–2.8 mL2.5–4.5 mL
Myrcene31–46%45–55%
Humulene9–21%9–14%
Caryophyllene9–15%6–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginAustraliaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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