GoldingvsAmarillo

Golding and Amarillo are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Golding

Aroma

Alpha acid

4–6%

Beta acid

2–3%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Amarillo

Aroma

Alpha acid

7–11%

Beta acid

5.5–8%

Total oil

1–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Golding

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Amarillo

  • 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
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Golding

DelicateSweet

Only in Amarillo

SpicyTropicalCitrusOrangeLemonMelonApricotPeachGrapefruitDank

Property

PropertyGoldingAmarillo
Alpha acid4–6%7–11%
Beta acid2–3%5.5–8%
Co-humulone20%21–24%
Total oil0.4–1 mL1–2.3 mL
Myrcene25–35%40–70%
Humulene35–45%19–24%
Caryophyllene13–16%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%6–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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