AmarillovsContessa

Amarillo (aroma) and Contessa (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Contessa

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–5%

Beta acid

5–7.4%

Total oil

0.8–1.9 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Amarillo

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Contessa

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Amarillo

SpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Only in Contessa

GreenLemongrassPear

Property

PropertyAmarilloContessa
Alpha acid7–11%3–5%
Beta acid5.5–8%5–7.4%
Co-humulone21–24%29–32%
Total oil1–2.3 mL0.8–1.9 mL
Myrcene40–70%-
Humulene19–24%-
Caryophyllene7–10%-
Farnesene6–9%-
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaBittering

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