Amarillo is one of the most recognizable American aroma hops, and it shows up in more IPAs and pale ales than most home brewers realize. Here is what it actually tastes like, when to use it, and where to buy it.
What Is Amarillo Hop?
Amarillo, registered under the strain number VGXP01, was discovered growing spontaneously in one of Virgil Gamache Farms’ hop yards in Washington’s Yakima Valley and later developed as a named variety in the late 20th century. It is now one of the top ten aroma hop varieties used by American craft brewers.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
| Alpha acid | 6.5% to 11% |
| Aroma notes | Grapefruit, orange, apricot, peach, floral |
| Best used for | Late kettle additions and dry hopping |
| Common substitutes | Cascade, Centennial, Ahtanum |
| Typical styles | American IPA, American Pale Ale, Imperial IPA |
Amarillo leans heavily into citrus, grapefruit and stone fruit character, with a medium bittering potential that makes it a strong dual-purpose hop. It is most commonly used late in the boil or as a dry hop, where its aroma compounds come through cleanest, and it pairs well with Citra or Simcoe in a modern IPA hop bill.
Where to Buy Amarillo Hops
A pound is enough for several batches if you brew occasionally; a smaller pack makes more sense if you are testing the hop for the first time or want to keep it fresh in the freezer without committing to a full pound.
How to Use It in a Recipe
For a citrus-forward American Pale Ale, try Amarillo as a single late addition at 15 minutes plus a dry hop, without other hops competing for aroma space. For an IPA, pairing it with Citra or Mosaic in the dry hop adds tropical depth without losing Amarillo’s signature grapefruit note. If you are chasing a substitute mid-brew, Cascade gets closest in the citrus lane, while Centennial adds slightly more floral character.
If you are building out a full pilsner or lager hop bill instead, our Saaz hops buying guide covers the classic Czech noble hop used in that style, and our general hops buying guide covers the wider range of varieties worth stocking.
FAQs
What does Amarillo hop taste like?
Grapefruit, orange, apricot and peach, with a floral edge. It is one of the most citrus-forward American aroma hops available.
What can I substitute for Amarillo hops?
Cascade, Centennial and Ahtanum are the most commonly cited substitutes, with Cascade being the closest match for the citrus character.
What beer styles use Amarillo hops?
American IPA and American Pale Ale most commonly, along with Imperial IPA and New England-style IPAs that lean on citrus-forward hop bills.
Is Amarillo a bittering hop or an aroma hop?
Both. It has a medium bittering potential, but it is most valued for late-addition and dry-hop aroma rather than as a primary bittering hop.
