Admiral
Alpha acid
13–16.2%
Beta acid
4.8–6.1%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Admiral
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Contessa
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Admiral
OrangeTeaFreshPineCitrusResinHerbal
Only in Contessa
GreenFloralLemongrassPear
Property
| Property | Admiral | Contessa |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13–16.2% | 3–5% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–6.1% | 5–7.4% |
| Co-humulone | 37–45% | 29–32% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.8–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 39–48% | - |
| Humulene | 23–26% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 6–8% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–2% | - |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |