ContessavsAhtanum

Contessa (bittering) and Ahtanum (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Contessa

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–5%

Beta acid

5–7.4%

Total oil

0.8–1.9 mL

United States

Ahtanum

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

0.5–1.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Contessa

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Ahtanum

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Contessa

GreenLemongrassPear

Only in Ahtanum

CitrusGrapefruitGeraniumPineEarthyCedarLemon

Property

PropertyContessaAhtanum
Alpha acid3–5%3.5–6.5%
Beta acid5–7.4%4–6.5%
Co-humulone29–32%30–35%
Total oil0.8–1.9 mL0.5–1.7 mL
Myrcene-45–55%
Humulene-15–22%
Caryophyllene-9–12%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringAroma

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