LotusvsSpalt

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

Lotus

Aroma

Alpha acid

13–17%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

United States

Spalt

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.5–5.7%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Lotus

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Spalt

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Lotus

OrangeVanillaBerryTropicalCream

Only in Spalt

NobleEarthyHerbalFloral

Property

PropertyLotusSpalt
Alpha acid13–17%2.5–5.7%
Beta acid5–6%3–5%
Co-humulone33–39%22–29%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene25–35%20–35%
Humulene35–40%20–30%
Caryophyllene-8–13%
Farnesene0–1%12–18%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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