Spalter SelectvsAmarillo

Spalter Select and Amarillo are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Spalter Select

Aroma

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

2.5–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Spalter Select

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

When to pick Amarillo

  • 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
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Spalter Select

Grassy

Only in Amarillo

FloralTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertySpalter SelectAmarillo
Alpha acid3–6.5%7–11%
Beta acid2.5–5%5.5–8%
Co-humulone21–27%21–24%
Total oil0.5–0.9 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene20–40%40–70%
Humulene10–22%19–24%
Caryophyllene4–10%7–10%
Farnesene15–22%6–9%
OriginGermanyUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

Related comparisons