Pacific GemvsNugget
Pacific Gem (bittering) and Nugget (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Pacific Gem
Alpha acid
13–15%
Beta acid
7–9%
Total oil
0.8–1.6 mL
New Zealand
Nugget
Alpha acid
9.5–16%
Beta acid
3–5.8%
Total oil
0.9–3.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Pacific Gem
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Nugget
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Pacific Gem
Black currantBerryBlackberryFloralOakPine
Only in Nugget
HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut
Property
| Property | Pacific Gem | Nugget |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13–15% | 9.5–16% |
| Beta acid | 7–9% | 3–5.8% |
| Co-humulone | 35–40% | 22–30% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.6 mL | 0.9–3.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–40% | 48–59% |
| Humulene | 20–30% | 12–22% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–12% | 7–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | New Zealand | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |