East Kent GoldingsvsSun

East Kent Goldings and Sun 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

Sun

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–16%

Beta acid

4.5–7%

Total oil

-

United States

Key differences

When to pick East Kent Goldings

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Sun

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in East Kent Goldings

LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral

Only in Sun

Herbal

Property

PropertyEast Kent GoldingsSun
Alpha acid4–6.5%12–16%
Beta acid1.9–3.5%4.5–7%
Co-humulone20–32%30–40%
Total oil0.4–1 mL-
Myrcene29–31%-
Humulene38–44%-
Caryophyllene12–16%-
Farnesene0–1%-
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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