MackinacvsSpalt

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

Mackinac

Aroma

Alpha acid

9–14%

Beta acid

2.8–4%

Total oil

1.5–2.2 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 Mackinac

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Spalt

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Mackinac

TropicalCitrusMelonPapayaSpicyBlack currant

Only in Spalt

NobleEarthyHerbal

Property

PropertyMackinacSpalt
Alpha acid9–14%2.5–5.7%
Beta acid2.8–4%3–5%
Co-humulone28–35%22–29%
Total oil1.5–2.2 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene15–17%20–35%
Humulene11–12%20–30%
Caryophyllene4–5%8–13%
Farnesene1–2%12–18%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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