ContessavsWillamette
Contessa (bittering) and Willamette (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
Willamette
Alpha acid
4–7.2%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
0.6–1.6 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 Willamette
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Floral
Only in Contessa
GreenLemongrassPear
Only in Willamette
CitrusIncenseElderberryCaramelCurry
Property
| Property | Contessa | Willamette |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 4–7.2% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 0.6–1.6 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 30–40% |
| Humulene | - | 20–27% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 7–8% |
| Farnesene | - | 5–6% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Fuggle
Styrian Golding