ClustervsEmerald Spire
Cluster and Emerald Spire are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Cluster
Alpha acid
5.5–9%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Emerald Spire
Alpha acid
8.6–13%
Beta acid
3.5–4.5%
Total oil
-
United States
Key differences
When to pick Cluster
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
When to pick Emerald Spire
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cluster
FloralEarthySweet
Only in Emerald Spire
PeachFruityWhiteGrapesWatermelonBubbleMelonHoneydew
Property
| Property | Cluster | Emerald Spire |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–9% | 8.6–13% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 3.5–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 33–43% | 38–39% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 38–46% | 36–37% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 10–11% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 7–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |