GoldingvsEnigma

Golding and Enigma 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

Enigma

Aroma

Alpha acid

13.5–19.4%

Beta acid

4.5–7.1%

Total oil

1.8–3 mL

Australia

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 Enigma

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Golding

FloralDelicateSweet

Only in Enigma

TropicalBerryStone fruitRaspberryRedcurrantWhite

Property

PropertyGoldingEnigma
Alpha acid4–6%13.5–19.4%
Beta acid2–3%4.5–7.1%
Co-humulone20%37–43%
Total oil0.4–1 mL1.8–3 mL
Myrcene25–35%23–30%
Humulene35–45%12–19%
Caryophyllene13–16%6–8%
Farnesene0–1%9–12%
OriginUnited StatesAustralia
PurposeAromaAroma

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