GoldingvsBarbe Rouge

Golding and Barbe Rouge 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

Barbe Rouge

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.8–10%

Beta acid

3.3–4.6%

Total oil

1.1–3 mL

France

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 Barbe Rouge

  • 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 Barbe Rouge

CitrusKumquatOrangeLimeRedcurrantStrawberryRaspberryBerryHerbal

Property

PropertyGoldingBarbe Rouge
Alpha acid4–6%3.8–10%
Beta acid2–3%3.3–4.6%
Co-humulone20%24–28%
Total oil0.4–1 mL1.1–3 mL
Myrcene25–35%35–60%
Humulene35–45%15–25%
Caryophyllene13–16%2–4%
Farnesene0–1%0–4%
OriginUnited StatesFrance
PurposeAromaAroma

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