Emerald SpirevsMotueka

Emerald Spire and Motueka 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

Motueka

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8.5%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Emerald Spire

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Motueka

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Emerald Spire

PeachFruityWhiteGrapesWatermelonBubbleMelonHoneydew

Only in Motueka

CitrusMojitoLimeLemonTropicalFloral

Property

PropertyEmerald SpireMotueka
Alpha acid8.6–13%5–8.5%
Beta acid3.5–4.5%5–5.5%
Co-humulone38–39%25–35%
Total oil-0.8–1 mL
Myrcene36–37%47–48%
Humulene10–11%3–4%
Caryophyllene7–8%1–3%
Farnesene0–1%12–13%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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