First GoldvsSimcoe
First Gold and Simcoe are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
First Gold
Alpha acid
5.6–10%
Beta acid
2.3–4.1%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
Simcoe
Alpha acid
11–15%
Beta acid
3–5%
Total oil
0.8–3.2 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick First Gold
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Simcoe
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Apricot
Only in First Gold
TangerineMagnoliaRedberryHerbalOrangeHerbalSpicyFloral
Only in Simcoe
FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruitPineBerryBubblegumCitrus
Property
| Property | First Gold | Simcoe |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.6–10% | 11–15% |
| Beta acid | 2.3–4.1% | 3–5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–35% | 15–21% |
| Total oil | 0.7–1.5 mL | 0.8–3.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 24–28% | 40–50% |
| Humulene | 20–24% | 15–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–7% | 8–14% |
| Farnesene | 2–4% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |