Bramling CrossvsAdmiral
Bramling Cross (dual purpose) and Admiral (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Bramling Cross
Alpha acid
5–8%
Beta acid
2.3–3.2%
Total oil
0.7–1.2 mL
United Kingdom
Admiral
Alpha acid
13–16.2%
Beta acid
4.8–6.1%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Bramling Cross
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Admiral
- 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
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Bramling Cross
Black currantLoganberryVanillaLemonSpicy
Only in Admiral
OrangeTeaFreshPineCitrusResinHerbal
Property
| Property | Bramling Cross | Admiral |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–8% | 13–16.2% |
| Beta acid | 2.3–3.2% | 4.8–6.1% |
| Co-humulone | 33–35% | 37–45% |
| Total oil | 0.7–1.2 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 35–37% | 39–48% |
| Humulene | 29–31% | 23–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 14–16% | 6–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–2% | 0–2% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |
Bullion