OpalvsWillamette
Opal and Willamette are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Opal
Alpha acid
5–14%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
0.8–1.3 mL
Germany
Willamette
Alpha acid
4–7.2%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
0.6–1.6 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Opal
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
When to pick Willamette
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
CitrusFloral
Only in Opal
Black currantSpicyHerbalAnise
Only in Willamette
IncenseElderberryCaramelCurry
Property
| Property | Opal | Willamette |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–14% | 4–7.2% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 13–34% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.3 mL | 0.6–1.6 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–45% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 30–50% | 20–27% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–15% | 7–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 5–6% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Fuggle
Styrian Golding