First GoldvsChinook

First Gold and Chinook are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

First Gold

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.6–10%

Beta acid

2.3–4.1%

Total oil

0.7–1.5 mL

United Kingdom

Chinook

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.5–15%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick First Gold

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Chinook

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in First Gold

TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryHerbalOrangeHerbalFloral

Only in Chinook

PineResinGrapefruitDankCannabis

Property

PropertyFirst GoldChinook
Alpha acid5.6–10%11.5–15%
Beta acid2.3–4.1%3–4%
Co-humulone29–35%27–35%
Total oil0.7–1.5 mL1–2.7 mL
Myrcene24–28%20–30%
Humulene20–24%18–24%
Caryophyllene6–7%9–11%
Farnesene2–4%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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