Pacific SunrisevsSpalter Select

Pacific Sunrise (bittering) and Spalter Select (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Pacific Sunrise

Bittering

Alpha acid

12.5–14.5%

Beta acid

5–7%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

New Zealand

Spalter Select

Aroma

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

2.5–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Pacific Sunrise

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Spalter Select

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Pacific Sunrise

WoodyPineLemonOrangeMangoMelonFloral

Only in Spalter Select

SpicyGrassy

Property

PropertyPacific SunriseSpalter Select
Alpha acid12.5–14.5%3–6.5%
Beta acid5–7%2.5–5%
Co-humulone27–30%21–27%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene45–55%20–40%
Humulene20–24%10–22%
Caryophyllene6–8%4–10%
Farnesene0–1%15–22%
OriginNew ZealandGermany
PurposeBitteringAroma

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