Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
Stirling
Alpha acid
6–12%
Beta acid
4–6%
Total oil
1.3–1.9 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 Stirling
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Floral
Only in Contessa
GreenLemongrassPear
Only in Stirling
HerbalCitusSpicy
Property
| Property | Contessa | Stirling |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 6–12% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 4–6% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 21–28% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 1.3–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 44–48% |
| Humulene | - | 19–23% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | - | 11–17% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |