SpaltvsMount Hood

Spalt and Mount Hood are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Spalt

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.5–5.7%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Mount Hood

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.9–8%

Beta acid

5–8%

Total oil

1.2–1.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Spalt

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Mount Hood

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

NobleHerbal

Only in Spalt

EarthyFloral

Only in Mount Hood

PungentSpicy

Property

PropertySpaltMount Hood
Alpha acid2.5–5.7%3.9–8%
Beta acid3–5%5–8%
Co-humulone22–29%21–23%
Total oil0.5–0.9 mL1.2–1.7 mL
Myrcene20–35%30–40%
Humulene20–30%12–38%
Caryophyllene8–13%7–16%
Farnesene12–18%0–1%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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