LibertyvsSpalter Select

Liberty (bittering) and Spalter Select (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 mL

United States

Spalter Select

Aroma

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

2.5–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Liberty

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Spalter Select

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Liberty

NobleFloralHerbalDelicateCitrusLemon

Only in Spalter Select

Grassy

Property

PropertyLibertySpalter Select
Alpha acid3–6.5%3–6.5%
Beta acid3–4%2.5–5%
Co-humulone22–30%21–27%
Total oil0.6–1.8 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene15–25%20–40%
Humulene35–45%10–22%
Caryophyllene10–15%4–10%
Farnesene0–1%15–22%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeBitteringAroma

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