Citra
Alpha acid
10–15%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1.5–3 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 Citra
- 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
Shared aromas
Floral
Only in Citra
CitrusGrapefruitPeachMelonLimeGooseberryPassion fruitLychee
Only in Contessa
GreenLemongrassPear
Property
| Property | Citra | Contessa |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 10–15% | 3–5% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 5–7.4% |
| Co-humulone | 20–35% | 29–32% |
| Total oil | 1.5–3 mL | 0.8–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 60–70% | - |
| Humulene | 7–13% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | - |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |