DeltavsAdmiral

Delta (aroma) and Admiral (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Delta

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.5–7%

Beta acid

5.5–7%

Total oil

0.5–1.1 mL

United States

Admiral

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–16.2%

Beta acid

4.8–6.1%

Total oil

1–1.7 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Delta

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

When to pick Admiral

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Delta

MelonSpicy

Only in Admiral

OrangeTeaFreshPineResinHerbal

Property

PropertyDeltaAdmiral
Alpha acid5.5–7%13–16.2%
Beta acid5.5–7%4.8–6.1%
Co-humulone22–24%37–45%
Total oil0.5–1.1 mL1–1.7 mL
Myrcene25–40%39–48%
Humulene25–35%23–26%
Caryophyllene9–15%6–8%
Farnesene0–1%0–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeAromaBittering

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