DeltavsPacific Gem
Delta (aroma) and Pacific Gem (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Delta
Alpha acid
5.5–7%
Beta acid
5.5–7%
Total oil
0.5–1.1 mL
United States
Pacific Gem
Alpha acid
13–15%
Beta acid
7–9%
Total oil
0.8–1.6 mL
New Zealand
Key differences
When to pick Delta
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
When to pick Pacific Gem
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Delta
CitrusMelonSpicy
Only in Pacific Gem
Black currantBerryBlackberryFloralOakPine
Property
| Property | Delta | Pacific Gem |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.5–7% | 13–15% |
| Beta acid | 5.5–7% | 7–9% |
| Co-humulone | 22–24% | 35–40% |
| Total oil | 0.5–1.1 mL | 0.8–1.6 mL |
| Myrcene | 25–40% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 25–35% | 20–30% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–15% | 6–12% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | New Zealand |
| Purpose | Aroma | Bittering |
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