Simcoe
Alpha acid
11–15%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
0.8–3.2 mL
United States
Smaragd
Alpha acid
4–6%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
0.4–0.8 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Simcoe
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Smaragd
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Fruity
Only in Simcoe
EarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryApricotBubblegumCitrus
Only in Smaragd
FloralSpicyTobaccoAniseCloveNoble
Property
| Property | Simcoe | Smaragd |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 11–15% | 4–6% |
| Beta acid | 3–5% | 3.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 15–21% | 13–18% |
| Total oil | 0.8–3.2 mL | 0.4–0.8 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–50% | 20–40% |
| Humulene | 15–20% | 30–50% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–14% | 9–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |