SmaragdvsLiberty

Smaragd and Liberty 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

Liberty

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

0.6–1.8 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Smaragd

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Liberty

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

FloralSpicyNoble

Only in Smaragd

FruityTobaccoAniseClove

Only in Liberty

HerbalDelicateCitrusLemon

Property

PropertySmaragdLiberty
Alpha acid4–6%3–6.5%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%3–4%
Co-humulone13–18%22–30%
Total oil0.4–0.8 mL0.6–1.8 mL
Myrcene20–40%15–25%
Humulene30–50%35–45%
Caryophyllene9–14%10–15%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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