East Kent GoldingsvsHydra
East Kent Goldings (bittering) and Hydra (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
Hydra
Alpha acid
10.5–13.7%
Beta acid
6.4–7.9%
Total oil
-
United States
Key differences
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Hydra
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral
Only in Hydra
CitrusTangerineMandarinZestResinLimeBerryPeachWatermelonRoseApricotTropical
Property
| Property | East Kent Goldings | Hydra |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4–6.5% | 10.5–13.7% |
| Beta acid | 1.9–3.5% | 6.4–7.9% |
| Co-humulone | 20–32% | 27–28% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 29–31% | 54–55% |
| Humulene | 38–44% | 11–12% |
| Caryophyllene | 12–16% | 8–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |