Admiral
Alpha acid
13–16.2%
Beta acid
4.8–6.1%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Lambic
Alpha acid
1–2%
Beta acid
2.8–5%
Total oil
0.8–1.2 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Admiral
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Lambic
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Admiral
OrangeTeaFreshPineCitrusResinHerbal
Only in Lambic
GrassySpicyWoody
Property
| Property | Admiral | Lambic |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13–16.2% | 1–2% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–6.1% | 2.8–5% |
| Co-humulone | 37–45% | 29–35% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.8–1.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 39–48% | - |
| Humulene | 23–26% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 6–8% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–2% | - |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Aroma |