Spalter SelectvsStyrian Cardinal

Spalter Select and Styrian Cardinal 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

Styrian Cardinal

Aroma

Alpha acid

8–15%

Beta acid

3.2–4.6%

Total oil

3–4 mL

Slovenia

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 Styrian Cardinal

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Spalter Select

SpicyGrassy

Only in Styrian Cardinal

CitrusGooseberryPineappleOrangeLimeJasmineGuava

Property

PropertySpalter SelectStyrian Cardinal
Alpha acid3–6.5%8–15%
Beta acid2.5–5%3.2–4.6%
Co-humulone21–27%31–37%
Total oil0.5–0.9 mL3–4 mL
Myrcene20–40%40–50%
Humulene10–22%15–22%
Caryophyllene4–10%8–11%
Farnesene15–22%5–7%
OriginGermanySlovenia
PurposeAromaAroma

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