Citra® Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Citra® stands as an absolute titan of modern brewing, widely credited with rewriting the global lexicon of craft beer flavor and anchoring the modern IPA revolution. Developed by the Hop Breeding Company, this historic variety was first selected in 1990 under the experimental code X-114 and officially released to the public in 2007. Its pedigree represents an international tapestry of elite heritage genetics, meticulously weaving together a lineage that includes Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnanger (US), Brewer's Gold, and East Kent Golding. Despite its star status today as a dominant aroma hop, Citra® was initially passed over by major macro-breweries that found its intense, multi-dimensional oil output too polarizing for traditional profiles. It wasn't until forward-thinking craft breweries embraced its expressive properties for late-kettle, whirlpool, and intensive dry-hop additions that it ignited a worldwide shift, fundamentally changing expectations for commercial hop saturation.

The sensory architecture of Citra® delivers an unforgettable, high-impact tropical and citrus masterclass that completely sidesteps sharp resinous burn or harsh diesel-like notes. The bouquet opens with an unmistakable, headlining blast of sweet pink grapefruit, ripe mango, juicy passionfruit, and crushed lychee. This exotic foreground transitions seamlessly into a bright, zesty middle layer filled with fresh lime peel, crisp gooseberry, and fleshy orchard peach, all anchored by a clean, supporting baseline of wild field grass and faint pine needle. Because the variety boasts an exceptionally high concentration of free and bound geraniol alongside a low-cohumulone profile, it acts as a premier vehicle for active fermentation biotransformations. This allows yeast to cleanly morph its raw essential oils into deep, stable fruit complexities that remain smooth, rounded, and remarkably refreshing on the palate.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Citra, the best alternatives are Amarillo®, Centennial, Galaxy™, Mosaic®, or Simcoe®.

At A Glance

Profile Sweet Pink Grapefruit, Fleshy Mango, Fresh Lime Zest, Passionfruit, Crushed Lychee, Crisp Gooseberry, Peach, Field Grass, Faint Pine Needle
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 11.0 - 13.5%
Substitutes Amarillo®, Centennial, Galaxy™, Mosaic®, Simcoe®
Pairs with piney/and stone-fruit contrast), Amarillo® (amplifies sweet orange zest and floral top notes), Mosaic® (the quintessential modern pairing/layering dark berry complexity underneath Citra’s bright citrus), Simcoe® (adds a dank
Beer Styles American India Pale Ale, New England/Hazy India Pale Ale, Double India Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Session India Pale Ale, Hoppy Wheat Beer, Modern American Pilsner

General Information

Country United States
Alias HBC 394
Storage Stability
Retains 68 - 75% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 11.0 - 13.5%
Beta Acid 3.5 - 4.5%
Cohumulone 1.5 - 2.8 ml/100g
Total Oil 22.0 - 24.0%
Myrcene 60.0 - 65.0%
Humulene 11.0 - 13.0%
Caryophyllene 65.0 - 8.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool 1.0 - 2.0%
B-Pinene 0.7 - 1.0%
Geraniol 1.0 - 1.5%
2-Undekanone 0.1 - 0.3%
Methyl 4-Decenoate 0.1 - 0.2%
Methyl 4-Decenoate 0.1 - 0.2%
Total Polyphenols 4.5 - 5.5%
Xanthohumol 0.4 - 0.6%;

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,600 - 2,100 lbs/acre
Maturity Medium to Medium-Late Season
Tolerant Powdery Mildew
Susceptible Downy Mildew
Growth Rate Very High / Intense Vigor
Cones Medium to large, compact, densely packed, and elongated ovate structures.
Ease of Harvest Excellent; clear cone setting on side arms allows for clean, highly efficient mechanical picking and sorting.
Sex Female
Leaf Color Dark Green
Side Arm Length 24" - 36" (Medium to Long)

Citra Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Gooseberry Grapefruit Lime Lychee Mango Passionfruit
Variety Name
Amarillo Centennial Galaxy Mosaic Simcoe
Beer Style
American India Pale Ale American Pale Ale Double India Pale Ale Hoppy Wheat Beer Modern American Pilsner New England/hazy India Pale Ale Session India Pale Ale
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
Hop Breeding Company
Last Updated
  • 2026-06-07 15:34:56
Source(s)

Hops Catalog

Navigating This Profile
  • The Stats: Use the Purpose and Alpha % to understand the hop's bitterness and aromatic strength.
  • Discovery Tags: Scroll down to find clickable tags for Flavor, Origin, and Usage.
  • The Network: Click any tag (like #Citrus or #New Zealand) to instantly view every other hop in our catalog that shares that trait.
Discovery Tag Spotlight

  • #Tropical-Fruit (Vacation in a Glass)

    Mid-week escape. Looking for massive notes of mango, pineapple, or passionfruit? These hops are the stars of hazy pales and juicy NEIPAs. Explore #Tropical-Fruit Hops!
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Did you know?
  • Dwarf variety hops grow shorter in height than traditional varieties but, importantly, produce the same yield. This combination makes harvest easier.
Explanations
  • Storage: is based on the percentage of alpha acids remaining after 6 months at 20*F.
  • Oil composition percetages are based on the total percentage of oil in the hop. Example: 10 - 20% means that for the specific oil it is 10 - 20% of the overall oil make up.