Pacific GemvsLiberty

Pacific Gem and Liberty are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Pacific Gem

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–15%

Beta acid

7–9%

Total oil

0.8–1.6 mL

New Zealand

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Pacific Gem

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Liberty

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Pacific Gem

Black currantBerryBlackberryOakPine

Only in Liberty

NobleHerbalSpicyDelicateCitrusLemon

Property

PropertyPacific GemLiberty
Alpha acid13–15%3–6.5%
Beta acid7–9%3–4%
Co-humulone35–40%22–30%
Total oil0.8–1.6 mL0.6–1.8 mL
Myrcene30–40%15–25%
Humulene20–30%35–45%
Caryophyllene6–12%10–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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