CentennialvsContessa
Centennial (dual purpose) and Contessa (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Centennial
Alpha acid
7–12%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
1–3 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 Centennial
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Contessa
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Floral
Only in Centennial
PineCitrusGrapefruitTangerine
Only in Contessa
GreenLemongrassPear
Property
| Property | Centennial | Contessa |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–12% | 3–5% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 5–7.4% |
| Co-humulone | 23–30% | 29–32% |
| Total oil | 1–3 mL | 0.8–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 55–65% | - |
| Humulene | 10–20% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 5–7% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | - |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |