LibertyvsPacific Gem

Liberty and Pacific Gem 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

Pacific Gem

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–15%

Beta acid

7–9%

Total oil

0.8–1.6 mL

New Zealand

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 Pacific Gem

  • 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

Floral

Only in Liberty

NobleHerbalSpicyDelicateCitrusLemon

Only in Pacific Gem

Black currantBerryBlackberryOakPine

Property

PropertyLibertyPacific Gem
Alpha acid3–6.5%13–15%
Beta acid3–4%7–9%
Co-humulone22–30%35–40%
Total oil0.6–1.8 mL0.8–1.6 mL
Myrcene15–25%30–40%
Humulene35–45%20–30%
Caryophyllene10–15%6–12%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeBitteringBittering

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