SambavsHersbrucker

Samba and Hersbrucker 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

Hersbrucker

Aroma

Alpha acid

1.5–5%

Beta acid

2.5–6%

Total oil

0.5–1.3 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Samba

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Hersbrucker

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Orange

Only in Samba

TropicalPineappleMangoStone fruitCandy

Only in Hersbrucker

NobleHayTobacco

Property

PropertySambaHersbrucker
Alpha acid8–12%1.5–5%
Beta acid4–6%2.5–6%
Co-humulone28–32%17–25%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL0.5–1.3 mL
Myrcene-15–30%
Humulene-20–30%
Caryophyllene-8–13%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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