Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 mL
United States
XJA2/436
Alpha acid
11.5–16.4%
Beta acid
7.8–8.4%
Total oil
1.1–1.7 mL
South Africa
Key differences
When to pick Contessa
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick XJA2/436
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Contessa
GreenFloralLemongrassPear
Only in XJA2/436
LemonZestPapayaCataloupeGooseberryResinCitrusBlueberry
Property
| Property | Contessa | XJA2/436 |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 11.5–16.4% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 7.8–8.4% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 29–30% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 1.1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 18–30% |
| Humulene | - | 21–35% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 11–13% |
| Farnesene | - | 8–18% |
| Origin | United States | South Africa |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |