SterlingvsSummer

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

Sterling

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.5–8.5%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

Summer

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.6–6.4%

Beta acid

4.8–6.1%

Total oil

1.4–2 mL

Australia

Key differences

When to pick Sterling

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

When to pick Summer

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Sterling

NobleHerbalSpicyFloral

Only in Summer

ApricotMelonGrassyCitrusStone fruitPassion fruitPeach

Property

PropertySterlingSummer
Alpha acid5.5–8.5%5.6–6.4%
Beta acid4–6%4.8–6.1%
Co-humulone22–28%20–25%
Total oil1–2 mL1.4–2 mL
Myrcene35–45%29–38%
Humulene16–18%28–50%
Caryophyllene5–8%8–11%
Farnesene15–19%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesAustralia
PurposeAromaAroma

Related comparisons