What Are Amarillo Hops?
Amarillo hops feel both classic and current. Unlike many modern varieties, they were not bred in a lab. They were discovered by chance in the 1990s on a farm in Washington, a natural mutation with a soft citrus and floral character that stood out immediately.
Today, Amarillo is often called the “orange hop.” Not bitter peel, but sweet, Valencia-style citrus backed by a floral edge. If Citra hops are bold and tropical, Amarillo is smooth and balanced.
Where Amarillo Comes From
Amarillo was first spotted in a field of Liberty hops by Virgil Gamache Farms. Instead of discarding it, the family cultivated the plant, trademarked the variety, and released it in the early 2000s. At the time, Cascade and Centennial dominated craft brewing. Amarillo offered something different: softer, sweeter, and more rounded.
What Amarillo Tastes Like
Sweet orange and tangerine up front
Light lemon zest in the background
A floral character tying it all together
Amarillo is gentler than hops like Citra or Mosaic. It adds lift and balance rather than overwhelming a beer.
Why Brewers Use Amarillo
Brewers use Amarillo when they want citrus flavor without the sharp edge. It blends well with bolder hops, rounding out Citra, Simcoe, or Cascade with a smoother orange note. Amarillo rarely steals the spotlight, but it makes a recipe feel complete.
Are Amarillo Hops Good for Brewing?
Yes. Amarillo hops are versatile and reliable. They shine in IPAs and pale ales but also fit into wheat beers, blondes, and lagers. That flexibility has kept them in steady use for decades.
Amarillo Beyond Beer
At Kentucky Hop Water, Amarillo is paired with Citra in every can. Citra brings the tropical brightness, while Amarillo adds the floral-orange balance that keeps the flavor approachable. Without Amarillo, the water would lean too sharp. With it, the profile is layered enough for beer fans and still easy to enjoy for anyone looking for an alcohol-free option.
See how Amarillo fits into the bigger picture with our Hop Flavor Wheel.
Amarillo is not planted on the massive scale of Citra, but it has carved out a steady role. It softens blends, it brings citrus without bitterness, and it has never gone out of style. Brewers still reach for it, and drinkers still notice when it is there.
You will find it in Kentucky Hop Water, where Amarillo helps define the balance of our flavor. Shop Kentucky Hop Water and taste how Amarillo works outside of beer.
