East Kent GoldingsvsSouthern Promise

East Kent Goldings (bittering) and Southern Promise (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

East Kent Goldings

Bittering

Alpha acid

4–6.5%

Beta acid

1.9–3.5%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United Kingdom

Southern Promise

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–14.5%

Beta acid

3.6–5.8%

Total oil

0.7–1.1 mL

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick East Kent Goldings

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Southern Promise

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in East Kent Goldings

LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruit

Only in Southern Promise

HerbalFruityWoodyBerryCitrus

Property

PropertyEast Kent GoldingsSouthern Promise
Alpha acid4–6.5%9.5–14.5%
Beta acid1.9–3.5%3.6–5.8%
Co-humulone20–32%20–22%
Total oil0.4–1 mL0.7–1.1 mL
Myrcene29–31%21–25%
Humulene38–44%23–27%
Caryophyllene12–16%7–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomSouth Africa
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

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