VitalvsWillamette

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

Vital

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–16%

Beta acid

6–11%

Total oil

1.1–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Willamette

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4–7.2%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

0.6–1.6 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Vital

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Willamette

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Vital

PlumLavenderSpicyLicorice

Only in Willamette

CitrusIncenseElderberryCaramelCurryFloral

Property

PropertyVitalWillamette
Alpha acid9–16%4–7.2%
Beta acid6–11%3–4.5%
Co-humulone21–26%28–35%
Total oil1.1–2.5 mL0.6–1.6 mL
Myrcene40–60%30–40%
Humulene2–5%20–27%
Caryophyllene5–8%7–8%
Farnesene1–3%5–6%
OriginCzech RepublicUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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