XJA2/436vsAmarillo

XJA2/436 (bittering) and Amarillo (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

XJA2/436

Bittering

Alpha acid

11.5–16.4%

Beta acid

7.8–8.4%

Total oil

1.1–1.7 mL

South Africa

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick XJA2/436

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Amarillo

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

LemonCitrus

Only in XJA2/436

ZestPapayaCataloupeGooseberryResinBlueberry

Only in Amarillo

FloralSpicyTropicalOrangeMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyXJA2/436Amarillo
Alpha acid11.5–16.4%7–11%
Beta acid7.8–8.4%5.5–8%
Co-humulone29–30%21–24%
Total oil1.1–1.7 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene18–30%40–70%
Humulene21–35%19–24%
Caryophyllene11–13%7–10%
Farnesene8–18%6–9%
OriginSouth AfricaUnited States
PurposeBitteringAroma

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