East Kent GoldingsvsEl Dorado
East Kent Goldings (bittering) and El Dorado (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
East Kent Goldings
Alpha acid
4–6.5%
Beta acid
1.9–3.5%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United Kingdom
El Dorado
Alpha acid
13–17%
Beta acid
6.4–8%
Total oil
2.5–3.3 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick El Dorado
- 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
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral
Only in El Dorado
FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit
Property
| Property | East Kent Goldings | El Dorado |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4–6.5% | 13–17% |
| Beta acid | 1.9–3.5% | 6.4–8% |
| Co-humulone | 20–32% | 28–33% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 2.5–3.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 29–31% | 55–60% |
| Humulene | 38–44% | 10–15% |
| Caryophyllene | 12–16% | 6–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Nelson Sauvin