ContessavsProgress

Contessa (bittering) and Progress (aroma) 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

Progress

Aroma

Alpha acid

5–7.5%

Beta acid

1.8–2.7%

Total oil

0.5–0.8 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Contessa

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Progress

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Contessa

GreenLemongrassPear

Only in Progress

GrassyMintSweetHoneyBlack currantFruity

Property

PropertyContessaProgress
Alpha acid3–5%5–7.5%
Beta acid5–7.4%1.8–2.7%
Co-humulone29–32%25–27%
Total oil0.8–1.9 mL0.5–0.8 mL
Myrcene-25–30%
Humulene-40–47%
Caryophyllene-12–15%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeBitteringAroma

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