HBC 586vsEast Kent Goldings
HBC 586 (dual purpose) and East Kent Goldings (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
HBC 586
Alpha acid
18–22%
Beta acid
11–14%
Total oil
2.5–4.5 mL
United States
East Kent Goldings
Alpha acid
4–6.5%
Beta acid
1.9–3.5%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick HBC 586
- 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
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in HBC 586
MangoLycheeCitrusHerbalGuavaSpicy
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral
Property
| Property | HBC 586 | East Kent Goldings |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 18–22% | 4–6.5% |
| Beta acid | 11–14% | 1.9–3.5% |
| Co-humulone | 35–40% | 20–32% |
| Total oil | 2.5–4.5 mL | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 55–65% | 29–31% |
| Humulene | 8–12% | 38–44% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 12–16% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |