CalientevsStirling

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

Caliente

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–16%

Beta acid

4.3%

Total oil

-

United States

Stirling

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.3–1.9 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Caliente

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Stirling

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 Caliente

CitrusPeachPineStone fruitMandarinLemonZest

Only in Stirling

HerbalCitusSpicyFloral

Property

PropertyCalienteStirling
Alpha acid14–16%6–12%
Beta acid4.3%4–6%
Co-humulone35%21–28%
Total oil-1.3–1.9 mL
Myrcene-44–48%
Humulene-19–23%
Caryophyllene-5–7%
Farnesene-11–17%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose