MosaicvsOpal

Mosaic and Opal are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Mosaic

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.5–13.5%

Beta acid

3.2–3.9%

Total oil

1–1.5 mL

United States

Opal

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–14%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Mosaic

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Opal

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusSpicy

Only in Mosaic

BlueberryTropicalGrassyPineTangerinePapayaRoseEarthyBlossomBubblegumGrapefruit

Only in Opal

Black currantFloralHerbalAnise

Property

PropertyMosaicOpal
Alpha acid11.5–13.5%5–14%
Beta acid3.2–3.9%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone24–26%13–34%
Total oil1–1.5 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene47–55%20–45%
Humulene10–16%30–50%
Caryophyllene3–8%8–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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