Most hops are known for either aroma or bittering potential, but there are a few that are known as dual purpose hops such as Centennial Hops. This variety was first bred in 1974 by crossing Brewers Gold hops with Fuggle, East Kent Golding, Bavarian and an unknown variety (USDA).

The name Centennial comes from the Washington State Centennial Celebration.

These hops have a fair to poor storage capabilities retaining about 60 to 65% of alpha acids after 6 months of storage at 70 F. They nearly went extinct since major breweries did not show much interest for this variety, but it has become extremely popular among home brewers and micro-breweries.

Here’s what you need to know about these hops:

Centennial Hops Alpha Acid %

8 – 11.5 %

Centennial Hops Beta Acid %

3.5 – 4.5 %

Centennial Hops Oil Content

1.5 – 2.3 %

Centennial Hops Cohumulone %

28 – 30 %

These hops are great bittering and aroma hops for just about any Ale beer style and wheat beers. The intensity is medium, not overpowering, and it gives beer a floral and citrus flavor and aroma.

Some possible hop substitutes would be Cascade hops, Columbus hops or even mix them together to get a closer flavor and aroma. Just remember that with Cascade hops you’ll be adding a spicy and somewhat of a grapefruit flavor, while Columbus hops will just give you a pungent aroma.

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