Brewer's Gold (US)vsBramling Cross

Brewer's Gold (US) (bittering) and Bramling Cross (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Brewer's Gold (US)

Bittering

Alpha acid

8–11%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Bramling Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8%

Beta acid

2.3–3.2%

Total oil

0.7–1.2 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Brewer's Gold (US)

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Bramling Cross

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Black currantSpicy

Only in Brewer's Gold (US)

-

Only in Bramling Cross

LoganberryVanillaLemon

Property

PropertyBrewer's Gold (US)Bramling Cross
Alpha acid8–11%5–8%
Beta acid4–6.5%2.3–3.2%
Co-humulone40–48%33–35%
Total oil1.5–3 mL0.7–1.2 mL
Myrcene40–60%35–37%
Humulene12–18%29–31%
Caryophyllene8–12%14–16%
Farnesene0–1%0–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

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