East Kent GoldingsvsSouthern Dawn
East Kent Goldings (bittering) and Southern Dawn (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
Southern Dawn
Alpha acid
11.2–13.5%
Beta acid
4.3–5.9%
Total oil
-
South Africa
Key differences
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Southern Dawn
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- 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 Southern Dawn
QuinceLemongrassGingerChamomileStrawberryCitrusFruityHerbalSpicy
Property
| Property | East Kent Goldings | Southern Dawn |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4–6.5% | 11.2–13.5% |
| Beta acid | 1.9–3.5% | 4.3–5.9% |
| Co-humulone | 20–32% | 31–33% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 29–31% | 22–45% |
| Humulene | 38–44% | 17–25% |
| Caryophyllene | 12–16% | 8–11% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 4–10% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | South Africa |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Golding