ContessavsBitter Gold
Contessa (bittering) and Bitter Gold (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
Bitter Gold
Alpha acid
12–18.8%
Beta acid
4.5–8%
Total oil
0.8–3.9 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Contessa
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Bitter Gold
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
FloralPear
Only in Contessa
GreenLemongrass
Only in Bitter Gold
Stone fruitTropicalWatermelonGrassyGrapefruit
Property
| Property | Contessa | Bitter Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 12–18.8% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 4.5–8% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 36–41% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 0.8–3.9 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 45–68% |
| Humulene | - | 7–18% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 7–11% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–2% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |