ContessavsNobility Blend
Contessa (bittering) and Nobility Blend (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
Nobility Blend
Alpha acid
4.2–4.5%
Beta acid
4.9–5.3%
Total oil
-
United States
Key differences
When to pick Contessa
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Nobility Blend
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
GreenFloralLemongrass
Only in Contessa
Pear
Only in Nobility Blend
LemonOrangeSpicy
Property
| Property | Contessa | Nobility Blend |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 4.2–4.5% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 4.9–5.3% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 27% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | - |
| Myrcene | - | 34–38% |
| Humulene | - | 22–23% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 26–28% |
| Farnesene | - | 6–8% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |