SmaragdvsZeus

Smaragd and Zeus 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

Zeus

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

2.4–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Smaragd

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Zeus

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Smaragd

FloralFruitySpicyTobaccoAniseCloveNoble

Only in Zeus

Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent

Property

PropertySmaragdZeus
Alpha acid4–6%13–17.5%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%4–6.5%
Co-humulone13–18%28–40%
Total oil0.4–0.8 mL2.4–4.5 mL
Myrcene20–40%45–60%
Humulene30–50%9–18%
Caryophyllene9–14%6–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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