Spalter SelectvsWai-iti

Spalter Select and Wai-iti 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

Wai-iti

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.5–3.5%

Beta acid

4.5–5.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.8 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Spalter Select

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Wai-iti

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Spalter Select

Grassy

Only in Wai-iti

Stone fruitPeachApricotCitrusLimeMandarin

Property

PropertySpalter SelectWai-iti
Alpha acid3–6.5%2.5–3.5%
Beta acid2.5–5%4.5–5.5%
Co-humulone21–27%22–24%
Total oil0.5–0.9 mL1.4–1.8 mL
Myrcene20–40%2–4%
Humulene10–22%27–29%
Caryophyllene4–10%8–10%
Farnesene15–22%12–14%
OriginGermanyNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

Related comparisons