SpaltvsRiwaka

Spalt and Riwaka 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

Riwaka

Aroma

Alpha acid

4.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

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 Riwaka

  • 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 Spalt

NobleEarthyHerbalFloral

Only in Riwaka

TropicalPassion fruitGrapefruitCitrus

Property

PropertySpaltRiwaka
Alpha acid2.5–5.7%4.5–6.5%
Beta acid3–5%4–5%
Co-humulone22–29%29–38%
Total oil0.5–0.9 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene20–35%67–70%
Humulene20–30%8–10%
Caryophyllene8–13%2–6%
Farnesene12–18%0–1%
OriginGermanyNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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