Do the alpha acids really matter?

[crueli07]

I was wondering how the alpha acids in hops play a role? Do they really matter? Thank you.

[JPinAZ]

The higher the AA%, the more bitter a hop will be for a given weight. You'll used less 13%AA hops to get 50IBUs in your beer than you would if you were using 5%AA hops.

[pcharles]

I was wondering how the alpha acids in hops play a role? Do they really matter? Thank you.

In a glib manner, I will say "NO" they do not matter. There are plenty of other compounds that could add some level of bitterness, for those people who like bitterness.

The problem is finding something that adds bitterness without adding other, more undesireable, characters. For example, coffee can add a lot of bitterness, but would you want it in your pilsner?