Opal
Alpha acid
5–14%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
0.8–1.3 mL
Germany
Simcoe
Alpha acid
11–15%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
0.8–3.2 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Opal
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Simcoe
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in Opal
Black currantSpicyFloralHerbalAnise
Only in Simcoe
FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegum
Property
| Property | Opal | Simcoe |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–14% | 11–15% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 3–5% |
| Co-humulone | 13–34% | 15–21% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.3 mL | 0.8–3.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–45% | 40–50% |
| Humulene | 30–50% | 15–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–15% | 8–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Styrian Golding