ContessavsSpalt

Contessa (bittering) and Spalt (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

Spalt

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.5–5.7%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

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 Spalt

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Contessa

GreenLemongrassPear

Only in Spalt

NobleEarthyHerbal

Property

PropertyContessaSpalt
Alpha acid3–5%2.5–5.7%
Beta acid5–7.4%3–5%
Co-humulone29–32%22–29%
Total oil0.8–1.9 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene-20–35%
Humulene-20–30%
Caryophyllene-8–13%
Farnesene-12–18%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeBitteringAroma

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