VanguardvsSpalt

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

Vanguard

Aroma

Alpha acid

4–6.5%

Beta acid

5.5–7%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Spalt

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.5–5.7%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.5–0.9 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Vanguard

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

When to pick Spalt

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Vanguard

WoodyTobaccoPleasantGrassyCedar

Only in Spalt

NobleEarthyHerbalFloral

Property

PropertyVanguardSpalt
Alpha acid4–6.5%2.5–5.7%
Beta acid5.5–7%3–5%
Co-humulone14–20%22–29%
Total oil0.4–1 mL0.5–0.9 mL
Myrcene5–15%20–35%
Humulene49–55%20–30%
Caryophyllene13–17%8–13%
Farnesene0–1%12–18%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeAromaAroma

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