Emerald SpirevsStirling
Emerald Spire and Stirling 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
Stirling
Alpha acid
6–12%
Beta acid
4–6%
Total oil
1.3–1.9 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Emerald Spire
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Stirling
- 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 Stirling
HerbalCitusSpicyFloral
Property
| Property | Emerald Spire | Stirling |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8.6–13% | 6–12% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–4.5% | 4–6% |
| Co-humulone | 38–39% | 21–28% |
| Total oil | - | 1.3–1.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 36–37% | 44–48% |
| Humulene | 10–11% | 19–23% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–8% | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 11–17% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |