Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
Chinook
Alpha acid
11.5–15%
Beta acid
3–4%
Total oil
1–2.7 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 Chinook
- 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
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Contessa
GreenFloralLemongrassPear
Only in Chinook
PineResinGrapefruitSpicyDankCannabis
Property
| Property | Contessa | Chinook |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 11.5–15% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 3–4% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 27–35% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 1–2.7 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 20–30% |
| Humulene | - | 18–24% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 9–11% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |