East Kent GoldingsvsSouthern Tropic
East Kent Goldings and Southern Tropic 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
Southern Tropic
Alpha acid
12.6–18.1%
Beta acid
5–6.5%
Total oil
-
South Africa
Key differences
When to pick East Kent Goldings
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Southern Tropic
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- 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 Tropic
MelonTroicalGuavaButterscotchLemongrassCoconutPungentPineappleBubblegumCitrus
Property
| Property | East Kent Goldings | Southern Tropic |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4–6.5% | 12.6–18.1% |
| Beta acid | 1.9–3.5% | 5–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20–32% | 26–30% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 29–31% | 19–46% |
| Humulene | 38–44% | 14–40% |
| Caryophyllene | 12–16% | 6–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 8–11% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | South Africa |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |
Golding