Chinook
Alpha acid
11.5–15%
Beta acid
3–4%
Total oil
1–2.7 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 Chinook
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Contessa
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Chinook
PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis
Only in Contessa
GreenFloralLemongrassPear
Property
| Property | Chinook | Contessa |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11.5–15% | 3–5% |
| Beta acid | 3–4% | 5–7.4% |
| Co-humulone | 27–35% | 29–32% |
| Total oil | 1–2.7 mL | 0.8–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–30% | - |
| Humulene | 18–24% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 9–11% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | - |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |