StirlingvsNugget

Stirling and Nugget are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Stirling

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.3–1.9 mL

United States

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Stirling

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

When to pick Nugget

  • 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

Shared aromas

Herbal

Only in Stirling

CitusSpicyFloral

Only in Nugget

CitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyStirlingNugget
Alpha acid6–12%9.5–16%
Beta acid4–6%3–5.8%
Co-humulone21–28%22–30%
Total oil1.3–1.9 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene44–48%48–59%
Humulene19–23%12–22%
Caryophyllene5–7%7–10%
Farnesene11–17%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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