East Kent GoldingsvsHerkules
East Kent Goldings and Herkules are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
East Kent Goldings
Alpha acid
4–6.5%
Beta acid
1.9–3.5%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United Kingdom
Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Herkules
- 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
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Property
| Property | East Kent Goldings | Herkules |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4–6.5% | 12–17% |
| Beta acid | 1.9–3.5% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–32% | 32–38% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 1.4–2.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 29–31% | 30–50% |
| Humulene | 38–44% | 30–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 12–16% | 7–12% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Germany |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |
Golding