ContessavsVista

Contessa (bittering) and Vista (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

Vista

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–2.2 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 Vista

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

GreenFloralPear

Only in Contessa

Lemongrass

Only in Vista

TropicalTangerineMelonCitrusSweet

Property

PropertyContessaVista
Alpha acid3–5%8–12%
Beta acid5–7.4%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone29–32%29–31%
Total oil0.8–1.9 mL0.8–2.2 mL
Myrcene-30–40%
Humulene-18–22%
Caryophyllene-10–14%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringDual purpose