ColumbiavsEast Kent Goldings
Columbia (dual purpose) and East Kent Goldings (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Columbia
Alpha acid
5–9%
Beta acid
3–4%
Total oil
1–2 mL
United States
East Kent Goldings
Alpha acid
4–6.5%
Beta acid
1.9–3.5%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Columbia
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Lemon
Only in Columbia
PineappleCitrusNoblePungent
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral
Property
| Property | Columbia | East Kent Goldings |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–9% | 4–6.5% |
| Beta acid | 3–4% | 1.9–3.5% |
| Co-humulone | 40% | 20–32% |
| Total oil | 1–2 mL | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–55% | 29–31% |
| Humulene | 15–19% | 38–44% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–12% | 12–16% |
| Farnesene | 3–5% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |