ContessavsNugget

Contessa (bittering) and Nugget (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Contessa

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–5%

Beta acid

5–7.4%

Total oil

0.8–1.9 mL

United States

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 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 Nugget

  • 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 Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyContessaNugget
Alpha acid3–5%9.5–16%
Beta acid5–7.4%3–5.8%
Co-humulone29–32%22–30%
Total oil0.8–1.9 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene-48–59%
Humulene-12–22%
Caryophyllene-7–10%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

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