East Kent GoldingsvsVic Secret
East Kent Goldings (bittering) and Vic Secret (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
Vic Secret
Alpha acid
14–21.8%
Beta acid
5.7–8.7%
Total oil
1.9–2.8 mL
Australia
Key differences
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Vic Secret
- 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
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral
Only in Vic Secret
TropicalPineapplePinePassion fruitHerbalEarthy
Property
| Property | East Kent Goldings | Vic Secret |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4–6.5% | 14–21.8% |
| Beta acid | 1.9–3.5% | 5.7–8.7% |
| Co-humulone | 20–32% | 51–57% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 1.9–2.8 mL |
| Myrcene | 29–31% | 31–46% |
| Humulene | 38–44% | 9–21% |
| Caryophyllene | 12–16% | 9–15% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Australia |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Golding