NuggetvsSmooth Cone
Nugget and Smooth Cone are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Nugget
Alpha acid
9.5–16%
Beta acid
3–5.8%
Total oil
0.9–3.3 mL
United States
Smooth Cone
Alpha acid
7–9.5%
Beta acid
3.4–5.2%
Total oil
0.4–1.14 mL
New Zealand
Key differences
When to pick Nugget
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Smooth Cone
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 Nugget
HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut
Only in Smooth Cone
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Property
| Property | Nugget | Smooth Cone |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 9.5–16% | 7–9.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–5.8% | 3.4–5.2% |
| Co-humulone | 22–30% | 31% |
| Total oil | 0.9–3.3 mL | 0.4–1.14 mL |
| Myrcene | 48–59% | 54–56% |
| Humulene | 12–22% | 20–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–10% | 5–7% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | New Zealand |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |