VitalvsNugget

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

Vital

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–16%

Beta acid

6–11%

Total oil

1.1–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Vital

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Nugget

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Vital

PlumLavenderSpicyLicorice

Only in Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyVitalNugget
Alpha acid9–16%9.5–16%
Beta acid6–11%3–5.8%
Co-humulone21–26%22–30%
Total oil1.1–2.5 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene40–60%48–59%
Humulene2–5%12–22%
Caryophyllene5–8%7–10%
Farnesene1–3%0–1%
OriginCzech RepublicUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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