Styrian CardinalvsEnigma

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

Styrian Cardinal

Aroma

Alpha acid

8–15%

Beta acid

3.2–4.6%

Total oil

3–4 mL

Slovenia

Enigma

Aroma

Alpha acid

13.5–19.4%

Beta acid

4.5–7.1%

Total oil

1.8–3 mL

Australia

Key differences

When to pick Styrian Cardinal

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Enigma

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Styrian Cardinal

CitrusGooseberryPineappleOrangeLimeJasmineGuava

Only in Enigma

TropicalBerryStone fruitRaspberryRedcurrantWhite

Property

PropertyStyrian CardinalEnigma
Alpha acid8–15%13.5–19.4%
Beta acid3.2–4.6%4.5–7.1%
Co-humulone31–37%37–43%
Total oil3–4 mL1.8–3 mL
Myrcene40–50%23–30%
Humulene15–22%12–19%
Caryophyllene8–11%6–8%
Farnesene5–7%9–12%
OriginSloveniaAustralia
PurposeAromaAroma

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