SummitvsVital

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

Summit

Bittering

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Vital

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–16%

Beta acid

6–11%

Total oil

1.1–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Key differences

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

When to pick Vital

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Summit

Black currantAniseIncenseOrangeGrapefruitTangerineEarthyCitrusOnionGarlicDankCannabis

Only in Vital

PlumLavenderSpicyLicorice

Property

PropertySummitVital
Alpha acid15–17.5%9–16%
Beta acid4–6.5%6–11%
Co-humulone26–33%21–26%
Total oil1.5–3 mL1.1–2.5 mL
Myrcene30–40%40–60%
Humulene18–22%2–5%
Caryophyllene12–16%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%1–3%
OriginUnited StatesCzech Republic
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

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