Bitter GoldvsMotueka

Bitter Gold and Motueka are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Bitter Gold

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.8%

Beta acid

4.5–8%

Total oil

0.8–3.9 mL

United States

Motueka

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8.5%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Bitter Gold

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Motueka

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

TropicalFloral

Only in Bitter Gold

Stone fruitPearWatermelonGrassyGrapefruit

Only in Motueka

CitrusMojitoLimeLemon

Property

PropertyBitter GoldMotueka
Alpha acid12–18.8%5–8.5%
Beta acid4.5–8%5–5.5%
Co-humulone36–41%25–35%
Total oil0.8–3.9 mL0.8–1 mL
Myrcene45–68%47–48%
Humulene7–18%3–4%
Caryophyllene7–11%1–3%
Farnesene0–2%12–13%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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