SmaragdvsNugget

Smaragd (bittering) and Nugget (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Smaragd

Bittering

Alpha acid

4–6%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

0.4–0.8 mL

Germany

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Smaragd

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Nugget

  • 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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Smaragd

FloralFruitySpicyTobaccoAniseCloveNoble

Only in Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertySmaragdNugget
Alpha acid4–6%9.5–16%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%3–5.8%
Co-humulone13–18%22–30%
Total oil0.4–0.8 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene20–40%48–59%
Humulene30–50%12–22%
Caryophyllene9–14%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

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