Alpha acid (α)
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Ingredients”.
Explanation
The bittering compound in hops, given as a percentage on the pack. The higher it is, the more bitterness per gram. Bittering hops often have 10–15 %, aroma hops 3–7 %.
Work it out yourself
Final beer calculator – Work out the alcohol content, attenuation, colour and bitterness of your beer – before brewing as a plan, and afterwards with your measured values.
Test your knowledge
What does the alpha acid value of hops tell you?
- How much bittering compounds they contain
- How much water they contain
- How old they are
Show answer
Correct: How much bittering compounds they contain. The higher the alpha acid, the fewer hops you need for the same bitterness.
Frequently asked questions
My hops have a different alpha acid than the recipe. What now?
Bitterness rises directly with alpha acid. Enter your value in the final-beer calculator and adjust the amount until the target IBU matches again.