Stirling
Alpha acid
6–12%
Beta acid
4–6%
Total oil
1.3–1.9 mL
United States
Helga
Alpha acid
5.4–7.3%
Beta acid
5–7%
Total oil
0.6–1 mL
Australia
Key differences
When to pick Stirling
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Helga
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Stirling
HerbalCitusSpicyFloral
Only in Helga
Noble
Property
| Property | Stirling | Helga |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6–12% | 5.4–7.3% |
| Beta acid | 4–6% | 5–7% |
| Co-humulone | 21–28% | 20–23% |
| Total oil | 1.3–1.9 mL | 0.6–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 44–48% | 1–13% |
| Humulene | 19–23% | 35–55% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–7% | 10–45% |
| Farnesene | 11–17% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Australia |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |