ContessavsAmarillo

Contessa (bittering) and Amarillo (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

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Contessa

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Amarillo

  • 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 Amarillo

SpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyContessaAmarillo
Alpha acid3–5%7–11%
Beta acid5–7.4%5.5–8%
Co-humulone29–32%21–24%
Total oil0.8–1.9 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene-40–70%
Humulene-19–24%
Caryophyllene-7–10%
Farnesene-6–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringAroma

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