ChallengervsContessa
Challenger (dual purpose) and Contessa (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Challenger
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- 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
Green
Only in Challenger
CedarFruity
Only in Contessa
FloralLemongrassPear
Property
| Property | Challenger | Contessa |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6.5–9% | 3–5% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 5–7.4% |
| Co-humulone | 20–25% | 29–32% |
| Total oil | 1–1.7 mL | 0.8–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–42% | - |
| Humulene | 24–26% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 9–10% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | - |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |