East Kent GoldingsvsFirst Gold
East Kent Goldings (bittering) and First Gold (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
First Gold
Alpha acid
5.6–10%
Beta acid
2.3–4.1%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick First Gold
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
OrangeFloral
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyLemonThymeGrapefruit
Only in First Gold
TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryHerbalHerbalSpicy
Property
| Property | East Kent Goldings | First Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4–6.5% | 5.6–10% |
| Beta acid | 1.9–3.5% | 2.3–4.1% |
| Co-humulone | 20–32% | 29–35% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 0.7–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 29–31% | 24–28% |
| Humulene | 38–44% | 20–24% |
| Caryophyllene | 12–16% | 6–7% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 2–4% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Golding