GoldingvsNectaron

Golding and Nectaron 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

Nectaron

Aroma

Alpha acid

9.5–12%

Beta acid

4.5–5%

Total oil

1–1.7 mL

New Zealand

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 Nectaron

  • 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

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Golding

FloralDelicateSweet

Only in Nectaron

TropicalCitrusPineapplePassion fruitPeachGrapefruitNectar

Property

PropertyGoldingNectaron
Alpha acid4–6%9.5–12%
Beta acid2–3%4.5–5%
Co-humulone20%26–28%
Total oil0.4–1 mL1–1.7 mL
Myrcene25–35%59–65%
Humulene35–45%10–20%
Caryophyllene13–16%4–5%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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