Petit BlancvsSterling

Petit Blanc and Sterling are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Petit Blanc

Aroma

Alpha acid

2–4%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

0.5–0.8 mL

France

Sterling

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.5–8.5%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Petit Blanc

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Sterling

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Petit Blanc

CherryMelonPapayaGreenLilac

Only in Sterling

NobleHerbalSpicyFloral

Property

PropertyPetit BlancSterling
Alpha acid2–4%5.5–8.5%
Beta acid5–6%4–6%
Co-humulone15%22–28%
Total oil0.5–0.8 mL1–2 mL
Myrcene-35–45%
Humulene-16–18%
Caryophyllene-5–8%
Farnesene-15–19%
OriginFranceUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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