Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
CTZ
Alpha acid
14.5–17%
Beta acid
4.5–5.5%
Total oil
2.5–4.5 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 CTZ
- 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 CTZ
Black currantLicoriceCurryCitrusCannabisDank
Property
| Property | Contessa | CTZ |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 14.5–17% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 4.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 2.5–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 45–55% |
| Humulene | - | 9–14% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 6–10% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |