HerkulesvsEast Kent Goldings
Herkules and East Kent Goldings are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
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 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
When to pick East Kent Goldings
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Herkules
CitrusMelon
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral
Property
| Property | Herkules | East Kent Goldings |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–17% | 4–6.5% |
| Beta acid | 4–5.5% | 1.9–3.5% |
| Co-humulone | 32–38% | 20–32% |
| Total oil | 1.4–2.4 mL | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–50% | 29–31% |
| Humulene | 30–45% | 38–44% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–12% | 12–16% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | Germany | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |
Golding