ContessavsCentennial
Contessa (bittering) and Centennial (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
Centennial
Alpha acid
7–12%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
1–3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Contessa
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Centennial
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Floral
Only in Contessa
GreenLemongrassPear
Only in Centennial
PineCitrusGrapefruitTangerine
Property
| Property | Contessa | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 7–12% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 3.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 23–30% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 1–3 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 55–65% |
| Humulene | - | 10–20% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |