Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
Tomahawk
Alpha acid
15–17.5%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
2.5–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Contessa
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Tomahawk
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Contessa
GreenFloralLemongrassPear
Only in Tomahawk
CitrusBlack currantLicoriceCurryOnion
Property
| Property | Contessa | Tomahawk |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 15–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 4.5–6% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 2.5–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 45–55% |
| Humulene | - | 9–14% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 6–10% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |