MinstrelvsFirst Gold
Minstrel and First Gold are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Minstrel
Alpha acid
5–7%
Beta acid
3–3.5%
Total oil
0.5–0.7 mL
United Kingdom
First Gold
Alpha acid
5.6–10%
Beta acid
2.3–4.1%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Minstrel
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick First Gold
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
HerbalSpicyOrange
Only in Minstrel
Berry
Only in First Gold
TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryFloral
Property
| Property | Minstrel | First Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–7% | 5.6–10% |
| Beta acid | 3–3.5% | 2.3–4.1% |
| Co-humulone | 22–26% | 29–35% |
| Total oil | 0.5–0.7 mL | 0.7–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 22–25% | 24–28% |
| Humulene | 1–4% | 20–24% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 6–7% |
| Farnesene | 7–9% | 2–4% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Willamette