Golding
Alpha acid
4–6%
Beta acid
2–3%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Golding
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
When to pick Herkules
- 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
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Golding
FloralDelicateSweet
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Property
| Property | Golding | Herkules |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4–6% | 12–17% |
| Beta acid | 2–3% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 20% | 32–38% |
| Total oil | 0.4–1 mL | 1.4–2.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 25–35% | 30–50% |
| Humulene | 35–45% | 30–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 13–16% | 7–12% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Aroma | Bittering |
Fuggle
Styrian Golding