PalisadevsOpal

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

Palisade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.5–10%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

0.8–2 mL

United States

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 Palisade

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Opal

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Palisade

OrangeYogurtHoneyPassion fruitApricotClean

Only in Opal

Black currantCitrusSpicyHerbalAnise

Property

PropertyPalisadeOpal
Alpha acid5.5–10%5–14%
Beta acid5.5–8%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone24–29%13–34%
Total oil0.8–2 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene45–55%20–45%
Humulene10–20%30–50%
Caryophyllene8–16%8–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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