DeltavsSpalt

Delta and Spalt are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Delta

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.5–7%

Beta acid

5.5–7%

Total oil

0.5–1.1 mL

United States

Spalt

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.5–5.7%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Delta

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Spalt

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Delta

CitrusMelonSpicy

Only in Spalt

NobleEarthyHerbalFloral

Property

PropertyDeltaSpalt
Alpha acid5.5–7%2.5–5.7%
Beta acid5.5–7%3–5%
Co-humulone22–24%22–29%
Total oil0.5–1.1 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene25–40%20–35%
Humulene25–35%20–30%
Caryophyllene9–15%8–13%
Farnesene0–1%12–18%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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