Wai-itivsAmarillo

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

Wai-iti

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.5–3.5%

Beta acid

4.5–5.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.8 mL

New Zealand

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Wai-iti

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
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

PeachApricotCitrusSpicy

Only in Wai-iti

Stone fruitLimeMandarin

Only in Amarillo

FloralTropicalOrangeLemonMelonGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyWai-itiAmarillo
Alpha acid2.5–3.5%7–11%
Beta acid4.5–5.5%5.5–8%
Co-humulone22–24%21–24%
Total oil1.4–1.8 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene2–4%40–70%
Humulene27–29%19–24%
Caryophyllene8–10%7–10%
Farnesene12–14%6–9%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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