ContessavsEast Kent Goldings
Contessa and East Kent Goldings are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Contessa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–7.4%
Total oil
0.8–1.9 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 Contessa
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Floral
Only in Contessa
GreenLemongrassPear
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruit
Property
| Property | Contessa | East Kent Goldings |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 4–6.5% |
| Beta acid | 5–7.4% | 1.9–3.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–32% | 20–32% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.9 mL | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 29–31% |
| Humulene | - | 38–44% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 12–16% |
| Farnesene | - | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |