LibertyvsSmaragd

Liberty and Smaragd 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

Smaragd

Bittering

Alpha acid

4–6%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

0.4–0.8 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Liberty

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

When to pick Smaragd

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

NobleFloralSpicy

Only in Liberty

HerbalDelicateCitrusLemon

Only in Smaragd

FruityTobaccoAniseClove

Property

PropertyLibertySmaragd
Alpha acid3–6.5%4–6%
Beta acid3–4%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone22–30%13–18%
Total oil0.6–1.8 mL0.4–0.8 mL
Myrcene15–25%20–40%
Humulene35–45%30–50%
Caryophyllene10–15%9–14%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeBitteringBittering

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