East Kent GoldingsvsSummit

East Kent Goldings and Summit are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

East Kent Goldings

Bittering

Alpha acid

4–6.5%

Beta acid

1.9–3.5%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United Kingdom

Summit

Bittering

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

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 Summit

  • 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
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

OrangeGrapefruit

Only in East Kent Goldings

LavenderHoneyLemonThymeFloral

Only in Summit

Black currantAniseIncenseTangerineEarthyCitrusOnionGarlicDankCannabis

Property

PropertyEast Kent GoldingsSummit
Alpha acid4–6.5%15–17.5%
Beta acid1.9–3.5%4–6.5%
Co-humulone20–32%26–33%
Total oil0.4–1 mL1.5–3 mL
Myrcene29–31%30–40%
Humulene38–44%18–22%
Caryophyllene12–16%12–16%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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