Nelson SauvinvsGolding

Nelson Sauvin and Golding are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Nelson Sauvin

Aroma

Alpha acid

10–13%

Beta acid

5–8%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Golding

Aroma

Alpha acid

4–6%

Beta acid

2–3%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Nelson Sauvin

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Golding

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Nelson Sauvin

WhiteFruityGooseberryGrapesSauvignon

Only in Golding

FloralDelicateSweet

Property

PropertyNelson SauvinGolding
Alpha acid10–13%4–6%
Beta acid5–8%2–3%
Co-humulone20–25%20%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene20–45%25–35%
Humulene25–37%35–45%
Caryophyllene6–11%13–16%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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