Pacific GemvsTropica
Pacific Gem (bittering) and Tropica (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
Tropica
Alpha acid
8.8%
Beta acid
3%
Total oil
-
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 Tropica
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Pacific Gem
Black currantBerryBlackberryFloralOakPine
Only in Tropica
PineappleMandarinOrangeTropicalDank
Property
| Property | Pacific Gem | Tropica |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13–15% | 8.8% |
| Beta acid | 7–9% | 3% |
| Co-humulone | 35–40% | - |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.6 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 30–40% | - |
| Humulene | 20–30% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 6–12% | - |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | - |
| Origin | New Zealand | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |