SmaragdvsBobek

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

Smaragd

Bittering

Alpha acid

4–6%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

0.4–0.8 mL

Germany

Bobek

Bittering

Alpha acid

3.5–9.3%

Beta acid

4–6.6%

Total oil

0.7–4 mL

Slovenia

Key differences

When to pick Smaragd

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Bobek

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Smaragd

FruitySpicyTobaccoAniseCloveNoble

Only in Bobek

Pine

Property

PropertySmaragdBobek
Alpha acid4–6%3.5–9.3%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%4–6.6%
Co-humulone13–18%26–31%
Total oil0.4–0.8 mL0.7–4 mL
Myrcene20–40%30–45%
Humulene30–50%13–19%
Caryophyllene9–14%4–6%
Farnesene0–1%4–7%
OriginGermanySlovenia
PurposeBitteringBittering

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