CTZvsVital

CTZ and Vital are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

CTZ

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14.5–17%

Beta acid

4.5–5.5%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

Vital

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–16%

Beta acid

6–11%

Total oil

1.1–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Key differences

When to pick CTZ

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Vital

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Licorice

Only in CTZ

Black currantCurryCitrusCannabisDank

Only in Vital

PlumLavenderSpicy

Property

PropertyCTZVital
Alpha acid14.5–17%9–16%
Beta acid4.5–5.5%6–11%
Co-humulone28–35%21–26%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL1.1–2.5 mL
Myrcene45–55%40–60%
Humulene9–14%2–5%
Caryophyllene6–10%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%1–3%
OriginUnited StatesCzech Republic
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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