OpalvsEroica

Opal (dual purpose) and Eroica (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Opal

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–14%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

Germany

Eroica

Bittering

Alpha acid

7.3–14.9%

Beta acid

3–5.3%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Opal

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Eroica

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Opal

Black currantCitrusSpicyFloralHerbalAnise

Only in Eroica

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Property

PropertyOpalEroica
Alpha acid5–14%7.3–14.9%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%3–5.3%
Co-humulone13–34%40%
Total oil0.8–1.3 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene20–45%55–65%
Humulene30–50%0–1%
Caryophyllene8–15%7–13%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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