GaiavsLiberty

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

Gaia

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–15%

Beta acid

5–10%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Gaia

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Liberty

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Gaia

Hoppy

Only in Liberty

NobleFloralHerbalDelicateCitrusLemon

Property

PropertyGaiaLiberty
Alpha acid12–15%3–6.5%
Beta acid5–10%3–4%
Co-humulone20–29%22–30%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL0.6–1.8 mL
Myrcene23–37%15–25%
Humulene2–4%35–45%
Caryophyllene9–12%10–15%
Farnesene5–7%0–1%
OriginCzech RepublicUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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