SambavsCrystal

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

Samba

Aroma

Alpha acid

8–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

United States

Crystal

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.8–6%

Beta acid

4.5–8.5%

Total oil

0.8–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Samba

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

When to pick Crystal

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Samba

TropicalPineappleMangoStone fruitCandyOrange

Only in Crystal

WoodyFloralGreenFruitySpicyCinnamonNutmegBlack currant

Property

PropertySambaCrystal
Alpha acid8–12%2.8–6%
Beta acid4–6%4.5–8.5%
Co-humulone28–32%20–26%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL0.8–2.3 mL
Myrcene-30–55%
Humulene-20–30%
Caryophyllene-5–12%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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