Barbe RougevsSpalter Select

Barbe Rouge and Spalter Select are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Barbe Rouge

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.8–10%

Beta acid

3.3–4.6%

Total oil

1.1–3 mL

France

Spalter Select

Aroma

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

2.5–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Barbe Rouge

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Spalter Select

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 Barbe Rouge

CitrusKumquatOrangeLimeRedcurrantStrawberryRaspberryFloralBerryHerbal

Only in Spalter Select

SpicyGrassy

Property

PropertyBarbe RougeSpalter Select
Alpha acid3.8–10%3–6.5%
Beta acid3.3–4.6%2.5–5%
Co-humulone24–28%21–27%
Total oil1.1–3 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene35–60%20–40%
Humulene15–25%10–22%
Caryophyllene2–4%4–10%
Farnesene0–4%15–22%
OriginFranceGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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