Bitter GoldvsContessa
Bitter Gold (dual purpose) and Contessa (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Bitter Gold
Alpha acid
12–18.8%
Beta acid
4.5–8%
Total oil
0.8–3.9 mL
United States
Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Bitter Gold
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Contessa
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
PearFloral
Only in Bitter Gold
Stone fruitTropicalWatermelonGrassyGrapefruit
Only in Contessa
GreenLemongrass
Property
| Property | Bitter Gold | Contessa |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–18.8% | 3–5% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–8% | 5–7.4% |
| Co-humulone | 36–41% | 29–32% |
| Total oil | 0.8–3.9 mL | 0.8–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–68% | - |
| Humulene | 7–18% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 7–11% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–2% | - |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |