Admiral
Alpha acid
13–16.2%
Beta acid
4.8–6.1%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Crystal
Alpha acid
2.8–6%
Beta acid
4.5–8.5%
Total oil
0.8–2.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Admiral
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Crystal
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Admiral
OrangeTeaFreshPineCitrusResinHerbal
Only in Crystal
WoodyFloralGreenFruitySpicyCinnamonNutmegBlack currant
Property
| Property | Admiral | Crystal |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13–16.2% | 2.8–6% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–6.1% | 4.5–8.5% |
| Co-humulone | 37–45% | 20–26% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.8–2.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 39–48% | 30–55% |
| Humulene | 23–26% | 20–30% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–8% | 5–12% |
| Farnesene | 0–2% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Aroma |
Hersbrucker