The bright, zesty, and flowery tastes of Amarillo hops are well-known in the beer industry, frequently adding notes of orange and tropical fruit to beers. They’re a great way to give IPAs, pale ales, and other craft brews strong, interesting tastes. 

However, if you’re short of Amarillo hops or want to try something different, there are many excellent alternatives that provide comparable qualities to maintain the taste and balance of your brew. While maintaining that Amarillo feel, using substitution hops might help you realize new flavor possibilities and create a distinctive twist. 

Depending on what you want, the correct substitute might provide anything from flowery and piney undertones to juicy citrus and tropical highlights. These substitutes can assist you in creating a beer that is equally flavorful and fragrant, regardless of whether you’re brewing for a traditional taste or a unique twist.

Want to explore further? Let’s go!

Best Substitute For Amarillo Hops

1. Cascade Hops

What do Amarillo hops taste like? Amarillo hops give beer a fruity, refreshing boost and are well-known for their bright, citrusy punch with touches of orange, grapefruit, and even some floral aromas. 

However, Cascade hops are among the greatest substitute for Amarillo hops in situations when they are unavailable, contributing tastes that are comparable. 

Cascade hops are an excellent option for American-style pale ales and IPAs because they provide a strong citrus flavor along with a hint of floral aroma. They are simple to work with in a variety of beer types and are ideal for bringing that citrus, grapefruit-like freshness. 

Using Cascade as a replacement may still give your brew the vivid, fruity aromas you’d expect from Amarillo while delivering a somewhat milder bitterness that’s incredibly palatable.

2. Centennial Hops

When do you reach for Amarillo hops? When you want that robust blast of orange-citrus taste with a bit of flowery aroma—perfect for pale ales, IPAs, and other American-style beers. 

Amarillo is a popular choice among brewers because it contributes a bright citrus punch and a smooth, balanced bitterness. Centennial, meanwhile, is a fantastic alternative if you’re not in Amarillo. 

Often referred to as a “super Cascade,” Centennial presents a vibrant blend of floral and citrusy notes, highlighting orange and grapefruit flavors that complement similar beer styles. 

It adds that crisp, citrus scent that can really make your brew better, plus it’s flexible and easy to find.

3. Cashmere Hops

If you enjoy the citrusy punch of Amarillo hops, Cashmere hops add a smooth, refreshing layer to IPAs, pale ales, and other hoppy styles. 

Cashmere hops are an exciting substitute for Amarillo hops because they offer a unique blend of flavors that add a fresh twist to your brews. If you enjoy Amarillo’s citrusy punch, Cashmere hops offer a softer, more balanced profile that still delivers on vibrant, fruity character. 

It’s ideal for brewers who want to experiment with tropical and citrus flavors while maintaining a mellow bitterness, and because of its versatility, you can use it in everything from dry hopping to late boil additions, adding depth and complexity to your brew.

4. Chinook Hops

If you’re out of Amarillo hops, how can you preserve that strong citrus and pine taste in your brew? Chinook hops are an excellent replacement. 

Chinook hops is known for its robust, somewhat spicy, piney flavor with undertones of citrus, adding a distinct dimension to any brew. It’s especially popular in pale beers, IPAs, and stouts, giving them a powerful edge that Amarillo aficionados will appreciate. 

One of the finest aspects of Chinook is its adaptability. It not only provides comparable citrus notes, but it also adds an earthy, piney flavor that may elevate your brew. 

Whether you’re searching for a traditional hop bite or just trying out new flavors, Chinook hops are an excellent choice for adding rich, robust flavors to your beer.

5. Summer Hops

Can’t locate hops from Amarillo for your next beer? Summer hops may be a good substitute! The tropical, citrusy mood that makes Amarillo so well-liked is also brought by Summer hops, which are known for their light, fruity tastes with hints of apricot and melon. 

They give IPAs, pale ales, and lighter beer varieties a refreshing edge that makes every taste seem like a sunny day in a glass. Summer hops have a pleasant, mellow taste that is simple to appreciate by balancing fruitiness with a faint floral touch. 

This is one of their greatest qualities. A distinctive, adaptable character that enhances every craft brew is provided by summer hops, whether you’re trying out new tastes or simply need a change.

Read also, 10 Best Substitute For Centennial Hops You Should Try

6. Simcoe Hops

Simcoe hops may be an excellent alternative to Amarillo hops if you’re running low on the latter but still want that strong, zesty taste. 

Simcoe is a popular option for people who want a hop-forward flavor because of its distinctive blend of earthy pine, berry, and delicate citrus. It also provides depth to your brews. 

Simcoe excels in craft genres such as pale ales, IPAs, and others where a robust yet well-balanced hop flavor is desired. 

It adds a depth of fruitiness and pine that can enhance the flavor while bringing in some of that Amarillo-style citrus. Simcoe may become your new favorite hop if you’re looking for a tasty, fragrant beer with a unique twist!

7. Citra Hops

Citra hops are a great alternative to Amarillo hops because of their strong citrusy and tropical tastes. 

Citra adds the same juicy, fruity punch that may significantly improve the flavor and fragrance of a beer, with strong notes of mango, grapefruit, and lime. Citra is an excellent substitute for Amarillo in brewing a fruity lager, a pale ale, or a hoppy IPA. 

The key advantage of substituting Citra is its strong taste profile and adaptability, which provide any beer a vibrant, fresh sensation. 

Citra offers a popular, tropical twist to your beer and is a great option if you want it to have a bright, refreshing taste that sticks out.

8. Mosaic Hops

Does your brew require a reliable substitute for Amarillo hops? Mosaic hops might be the solution. 

Amarillo’s bright, citrusy notes complement Mosaic’s rich, nuanced flavor profile, which is known for its bright, fruity scent with hints of berry, tropical fruit, and earthy undertones. 

It’s similar to obtaining more depth and fruit without sacrificing that recognizable citrus flavor. From IPAs to pale ales, mosaic is ideal for a variety of beers since it adds a zesty, fruity flavor that may bring character to any brew. 

Mosaic is also adaptable; it may provide the balanced, fruity scent you want in a blend or the strong flavor you want in a single hop IPA.

9. Azacca Hops

For brewers wishing to add a unique touch to their beers, Azacca hops are a fascinating alternative to Amarillo hops. 

With its strong tropical fruit flavors—think citrus, pineapple, and mango—Azacca can give your beers a lively, fruity touch. IPAs, pale ales, and even wheat beers benefit greatly from this hop’s distinctive flavor, which appeals to youthful beer drinkers. 

Azacca hops are perfect for hop-forward types since they add a balanced bitterness and improve scent in your recipes. You may experiment with different beer styles while still enjoying its wonderful fruity aroma because to its adaptability. 

Azacca is a great option if you want to experiment and make a unique beer!

10. Comet Hops

Do not worry if you can’t locate Amarillo hops for your brew! Comet hops are an excellent replacement that will provide a blast of flavor to your brew. 

Comet hops have a distinct citrus flavor that includes strong notes of grapefruit and other tropical fruits, making them ideal for a wide range of beer types. 

Comet may improve your IPAs, pale ales, and even lagers by imparting a refreshing, citrus flavor. Comet hops not only add fantastic fragrance and flavor to your brew, but they also offer a balanced bitterness that can improve its overall taste. 

So, the next time you’re brewing, consider Comet as your go-to option for a tasty and vivid beer!

11.Ekuanot (Equinox)

This is Ekuanot (previously Equinox), a colorful hop cultivar that’s gaining popular among brewers searching for a new alternative to Amarillo hops. 

Ekuanot’s robust taste profile includes a delicious combination of tropical fruits, such as lime and papaya, as well as herbal and floral overtones. Its distinct properties make it ideal for adding depth to a wide range of beer genres, including IPAs, pale ales, and even stouts. 

Ekuanot is not only delicious; it is also quite versatile. It may be used for both dry hopping and boiling, helping brewers to create fragrant and tasty beers that stand out in a competitive market. By integrating 

Ekuanot, you may boost your brewing game, creating interesting new tastes that will impress your friends and fellow beer lovers alike.

12.Mandarina Bavaria

Mandarina Bavaria is an intriguing hop that is gaining popularity as an alternative to Amarillo in the ever-evolving realm of craft brewing. This hop gives your favorite brews a cool edge with its bright citrus and tangerine tastes. 

Its distinct flavor adds a pop of brightness to wheat beers, pale ales, and even IPAs, making it a flexible option for any brewer wishing to try new things. In addition to improving the flavor, Mandarina Bavaria provides a well-balanced scent that goes well with many different kinds. 

It is excellent for producing fruity, sessionable beers with a crisp bitterness. Therefore, Mandarina Bavaria can help you create the ideal beer, whether you’re making a strong IPA or a mild summer brew.

Final Words 

With the right substitute for Amarillo hops, you may add a whole new range of tastes to your beer while maintaining that cherished zesty, flowery flavor. There is a hop out there to suit your preferences, whether they be for a strong tropical kick, a hint of citrus, or a hint of earthy pine. Try out these options to see which one adds a special touch to your brew; you could even discover a new hop that you love!