StirlingvsSummit

Stirling (dual purpose) and Summit (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Stirling

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.3–1.9 mL

United States

Summit

Bittering

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Stirling

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Summit

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Stirling

HerbalCitusSpicyFloral

Only in Summit

Black currantAniseIncenseOrangeGrapefruitTangerineEarthyCitrusOnionGarlicDankCannabis

Property

PropertyStirlingSummit
Alpha acid6–12%15–17.5%
Beta acid4–6%4–6.5%
Co-humulone21–28%26–33%
Total oil1.3–1.9 mL1.5–3 mL
Myrcene44–48%30–40%
Humulene19–23%18–22%
Caryophyllene5–7%12–16%
Farnesene11–17%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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