ContessavsChallenger
Contessa (bittering) and Challenger (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
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Contessa
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Challenger
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Green
Only in Contessa
FloralLemongrassPear
Only in Challenger
CedarFruity
Property
| Property | Contessa | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 30–42% |
| Humulene | - | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |