Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
Northdown
Alpha acid
7–10%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.2–2.5 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 Northdown
- 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 Northdown
PineCedarBerrySpicy
Property
| Property | Contessa | Northdown |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 7–10% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 24–32% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 1.2–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 23–29% |
| Humulene | - | 40–45% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 13–17% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Admiral