LibertyvsAdmiral

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

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 mL

United States

Admiral

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–16.2%

Beta acid

4.8–6.1%

Total oil

1–1.7 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Liberty

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

When to pick Admiral

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

HerbalCitrus

Only in Liberty

NobleFloralSpicyDelicateLemon

Only in Admiral

OrangeTeaFreshPineResin

Property

PropertyLibertyAdmiral
Alpha acid3–6.5%13–16.2%
Beta acid3–4%4.8–6.1%
Co-humulone22–30%37–45%
Total oil0.6–1.8 mL1–1.7 mL
Myrcene15–25%39–48%
Humulene35–45%23–26%
Caryophyllene10–15%6–8%
Farnesene0–1%0–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeBitteringBittering

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