Pacific GemvsVienna Gold

Pacific Gem (bittering) and Vienna Gold (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Pacific Gem

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–15%

Beta acid

7–9%

Total oil

0.8–1.6 mL

New Zealand

Vienna Gold

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–10%

Beta acid

-

Total oil

-

Australia

Key differences

When to pick Pacific Gem

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Vienna Gold

  • 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 Vienna Gold

NobleFruityPassion fruit

Property

PropertyPacific GemVienna Gold
Alpha acid13–15%6–10%
Beta acid7–9%-
Co-humulone35–40%-
Total oil0.8–1.6 mL-
Myrcene30–40%-
Humulene20–30%-
Caryophyllene6–12%-
Farnesene0–1%-
OriginNew ZealandAustralia
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

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