Emerald SpirevsLiberty

Emerald Spire (dual purpose) and Liberty (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Emerald Spire

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8.6–13%

Beta acid

3.5–4.5%

Total oil

-

United States

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Emerald Spire

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Liberty

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Emerald Spire

PeachFruityWhiteGrapesWatermelonBubbleMelonHoneydew

Only in Liberty

NobleFloralHerbalSpicyDelicateCitrusLemon

Property

PropertyEmerald SpireLiberty
Alpha acid8.6–13%3–6.5%
Beta acid3.5–4.5%3–4%
Co-humulone38–39%22–30%
Total oil-0.6–1.8 mL
Myrcene36–37%15–25%
Humulene10–11%35–45%
Caryophyllene7–8%10–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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