Chelan
Alpha acid
12–15%
Beta acid
8.5–10%
Total oil
1.5–1.9 mL
United States
Enigma
Alpha acid
13.5–19.4%
Beta acid
4.5–7.1%
Total oil
1.8–3 mL
Australia
Key differences
When to pick Chelan
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Enigma
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Chelan
FloralCitrusFruityMild
Only in Enigma
TropicalBerryStone fruitRaspberryRedcurrantWhite
Property
| Property | Chelan | Enigma |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–15% | 13.5–19.4% |
| Beta acid | 8.5–10% | 4.5–7.1% |
| Co-humulone | 33–35% | 37–43% |
| Total oil | 1.5–1.9 mL | 1.8–3 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–55% | 23–30% |
| Humulene | 12–15% | 12–19% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–12% | 6–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 9–12% |
| Origin | United States | Australia |
| Purpose | Bittering | Aroma |
Hallertau Blanc
Nelson Sauvin