Hop Pellets Amarillo

Amarillo is a hugely popular US hop with a bright orange, grapefruit and floral character and a hint of peach. It is a moderate-to-high alpha, dual-purpose pellet that brings a smooth citrus aroma to American ales and blends beautifully with other C-hops.

Best suited to

• American pale ale
• American IPA and West Coast IPA
• Hazy IPA
• Amber and red ales
• Dry-hopped ales

Typical specs (vary by harvest, check the pack)

• Variety / origin: Amarillo, United States
• Form: T-90 pellets
• Purpose: Dual purpose
• Alpha acid: typically 8-11%
• Beta acid: typically 6-7%
• Co-humulone: typically 21-24% of alpha
• Total oil: typically 1.5-2 mL/100g
• Character: orange, grapefruit, floral, peach

When to choose this over alternatives

Choose Amarillo when you want a sweeter orange-citrus note than Cascade or Centennial deliver. It sits in the same American citrus-floral family but leans towards orange and a soft peach, which makes it a lovely rounding hop in a blend. Pair it with Citra to lift the tropical fruit, with Simcoe to add pine and depth, or with Cascade for a classic, easy-drinking American pale ale. It is smooth enough to run single-hopped too.

Practical notes

Amarillo is genuinely dual purpose. The moderate-to-high alpha bitters cleanly, and its orange-citrus aroma shines in the whirlpool and dry hop. For a pale ale or IPA, 30 to 50g of dry hops works well. It is a friendly, forgiving hop that stays smooth even at higher rates. Store cold and sealed, push the air out, and use within 12 months of opening for the freshest citrus aroma.

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team - June 2026