East Kent GoldingsvsChelan

East Kent Goldings and Chelan are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

East Kent Goldings

Bittering

Alpha acid

4–6.5%

Beta acid

1.9–3.5%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United Kingdom

Chelan

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–15%

Beta acid

8.5–10%

Total oil

1.5–1.9 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick East Kent Goldings

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Chelan

  • 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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in East Kent Goldings

LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruit

Only in Chelan

CitrusFruityMild

Property

PropertyEast Kent GoldingsChelan
Alpha acid4–6.5%12–15%
Beta acid1.9–3.5%8.5–10%
Co-humulone20–32%33–35%
Total oil0.4–1 mL1.5–1.9 mL
Myrcene29–31%45–55%
Humulene38–44%12–15%
Caryophyllene12–16%9–12%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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