Pacific JadevsOpal

Pacific Jade and Opal are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Pacific Jade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–14%

Beta acid

7–8%

Total oil

1.1–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Opal

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–14%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Pacific Jade

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Opal

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusSpicyHerbalBlack currant

Only in Pacific Jade

-

Only in Opal

FloralAnise

Property

PropertyPacific JadeOpal
Alpha acid12–14%5–14%
Beta acid7–8%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone23–25%13–34%
Total oil1.1–1.5 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene33–34%20–45%
Humulene32–33%30–50%
Caryophyllene10–11%8–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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