EnigmavsSpalter Select
Enigma and Spalter Select are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Enigma
Alpha acid
13.5–19.4%
Beta acid
4.5–7.1%
Total oil
1.8–3 mL
Australia
Spalter Select
Alpha acid
3–6.5%
Beta acid
2.5–5%
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 Spalter Select
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 Spalter Select
SpicyGrassy
Property
| Property | Enigma | Spalter Select |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13.5–19.4% | 3–6.5% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–7.1% | 2.5–5% |
| Co-humulone | 37–43% | 21–27% |
| Total oil | 1.8–3 mL | 0.5–0.9 mL |
| Myrcene | 23–30% | 20–40% |
| Humulene | 12–19% | 10–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–8% | 4–10% |
| Farnesene | 9–12% | 15–22% |
| Origin | Australia | Germany |
| Purpose | Aroma | Aroma |
Nelson Sauvin