Emerald SpirevsNugget
Emerald Spire and Nugget are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Emerald Spire
Alpha acid
8.6–13%
Beta acid
3.5–4.5%
Total oil
-
United States
Nugget
Alpha acid
9.5–16%
Beta acid
3–5.8%
Total oil
0.9–3.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Emerald Spire
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Nugget
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- 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 Nugget
HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut
Property
| Property | Emerald Spire | Nugget |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8.6–13% | 9.5–16% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–4.5% | 3–5.8% |
| Co-humulone | 38–39% | 22–30% |
| Total oil | - | 0.9–3.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 36–37% | 48–59% |
| Humulene | 10–11% | 12–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–8% | 7–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |