KohatuvsEast Kent Goldings

Kohatu (dual purpose) and East Kent Goldings (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Kohatu

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

6–7%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1–2 mL

New Zealand

East Kent Goldings

Bittering

Alpha acid

4–6.5%

Beta acid

1.9–3.5%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Kohatu

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick East Kent Goldings

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Kohatu

Tropical

Only in East Kent Goldings

LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral

Property

PropertyKohatuEast Kent Goldings
Alpha acid6–7%4–6.5%
Beta acid4–6%1.9–3.5%
Co-humulone20–25%20–32%
Total oil1–2 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene25–30%29–31%
Humulene30–40%38–44%
Caryophyllene11–16%12–16%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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