PacificavsSummit

Pacifica (aroma) and Summit (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Pacifica

Aroma

Alpha acid

5–6%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

0.9–1.2 mL

New Zealand

Summit

Bittering

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Pacifica

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

When to pick Summit

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusOrange

Only in Pacifica

FloralMarmaladeHayHoneyTangyZest

Only in Summit

Black currantAniseIncenseGrapefruitTangerineEarthyOnionGarlicDankCannabis

Property

PropertyPacificaSummit
Alpha acid5–6%15–17.5%
Beta acid5–6%4–6.5%
Co-humulone24–26%26–33%
Total oil0.9–1.2 mL1.5–3 mL
Myrcene10–15%30–40%
Humulene45–55%18–22%
Caryophyllene14–18%12–16%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeAromaBittering

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