VistavsSouthern Star

Vista and Southern Star are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Vista

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–2.2 mL

United States

Southern Star

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.6%

Beta acid

4–7.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.7 mL

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick Vista

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

When to pick Southern Star

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

TropicalTangerinePearCitrusFloral

Only in Vista

MelonGreenSweet

Only in Southern Star

QuinceBerryPineapplePassion fruitCassisRoseOrangeCoffee

Property

PropertyVistaSouthern Star
Alpha acid8–12%12–18.6%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%4–7.5%
Co-humulone29–31%25–31%
Total oil0.8–2.2 mL1.4–1.7 mL
Myrcene30–40%32–38%
Humulene18–22%23–27%
Caryophyllene10–14%10–14%
Farnesene0–1%8–12%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons