Emerald SpirevsAstra

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

Emerald Spire

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8.6–13%

Beta acid

3.5–4.5%

Total oil

-

United States

Astra

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–10%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1–3 mL

Australia

Key differences

When to pick Emerald Spire

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

When to pick Astra

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

PeachWhiteMelon

Only in Emerald Spire

FruityGrapesWatermelonBubbleHoneydew

Only in Astra

TropicalSweetGrassyGrapefruitHoney

Property

PropertyEmerald SpireAstra
Alpha acid8.6–13%7–10%
Beta acid3.5–4.5%4–6%
Co-humulone38–39%26–28%
Total oil-1–3 mL
Myrcene36–37%-
Humulene10–11%6–8%
Caryophyllene7–8%2–3%
Farnesene0–1%-
OriginUnited StatesAustralia
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose