First GoldvsNobility Blend

First Gold and Nobility Blend 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

Nobility Blend

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4.2–4.5%

Beta acid

4.9–5.3%

Total oil

-

United States

Key differences

When to pick First Gold

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Nobility Blend

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

OrangeSpicyFloral

Only in First Gold

TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryHerbalHerbal

Only in Nobility Blend

LemonLemongrassGreen

Property

PropertyFirst GoldNobility Blend
Alpha acid5.6–10%4.2–4.5%
Beta acid2.3–4.1%4.9–5.3%
Co-humulone29–35%27%
Total oil0.7–1.5 mL-
Myrcene24–28%34–38%
Humulene20–24%22–23%
Caryophyllene6–7%26–28%
Farnesene2–4%6–8%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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