Bitter GoldvsNugget

Bitter Gold and Nugget 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

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Bitter Gold

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Nugget

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Bitter Gold

Stone fruitTropicalPearWatermelonGrassyGrapefruitFloral

Only in Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyBitter GoldNugget
Alpha acid12–18.8%9.5–16%
Beta acid4.5–8%3–5.8%
Co-humulone36–41%22–30%
Total oil0.8–3.9 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene45–68%48–59%
Humulene7–18%12–22%
Caryophyllene7–11%7–10%
Farnesene0–2%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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