Chinook
Alpha acid
11.5–15%
Beta acid
3–4%
Total oil
1–2.7 mL
United States
Smaragd
Alpha acid
4–6%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
0.4–0.8 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Chinook
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Smaragd
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Spicy
Only in Chinook
PineResinGrapefruitDankCannabis
Only in Smaragd
FloralFruityTobaccoAniseCloveNoble
Property
| Property | Chinook | Smaragd |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11.5–15% | 4–6% |
| Beta acid | 3–4% | 3.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 27–35% | 13–18% |
| Total oil | 1–2.7 mL | 0.4–0.8 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–30% | 20–40% |
| Humulene | 18–24% | 30–50% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–11% | 9–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |