Columbus
Alpha acid
14–18%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
2.5–4.5 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 Columbus
- 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
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Floral
Only in Columbus
EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurrySpicyCitrusPungentDankCannabis
Only in Contessa
GreenLemongrassPear
Property
| Property | Columbus | Contessa |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 14–18% | 3–5% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 5–7.4% |
| Co-humulone | 28–35% | 29–32% |
| Total oil | 2.5–4.5 mL | 0.8–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–55% | - |
| Humulene | 9–14% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 6–10% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | - |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |