Styrian CardinalvsSpalter Select

Styrian Cardinal and Spalter Select 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

Spalter Select

Aroma

Alpha acid

3–6.5%

Beta acid

2.5–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Styrian Cardinal

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Spalter Select

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Styrian Cardinal

CitrusGooseberryPineappleOrangeLimeJasmineGuava

Only in Spalter Select

SpicyGrassy

Property

PropertyStyrian CardinalSpalter Select
Alpha acid8–15%3–6.5%
Beta acid3.2–4.6%2.5–5%
Co-humulone31–37%21–27%
Total oil3–4 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene40–50%20–40%
Humulene15–22%10–22%
Caryophyllene8–11%4–10%
Farnesene5–7%15–22%
OriginSloveniaGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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