EnigmavsSpalt

Enigma and Spalt are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Enigma

Aroma

Alpha acid

13.5–19.4%

Beta acid

4.5–7.1%

Total oil

1.8–3 mL

Australia

Spalt

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.5–5.7%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Enigma

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Spalt

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Enigma

TropicalBerryStone fruitRaspberryRedcurrantWhite

Only in Spalt

NobleEarthyHerbalFloral

Property

PropertyEnigmaSpalt
Alpha acid13.5–19.4%2.5–5.7%
Beta acid4.5–7.1%3–5%
Co-humulone37–43%22–29%
Total oil1.8–3 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene23–30%20–35%
Humulene12–19%20–30%
Caryophyllene6–8%8–13%
Farnesene9–12%12–18%
OriginAustraliaGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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