Petit BlancvsEast Kent Goldings

Petit Blanc (aroma) and East Kent Goldings (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Petit Blanc

Aroma

Alpha acid

2–4%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

0.5–0.8 mL

France

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 Petit Blanc

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

When to pick East Kent Goldings

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • 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 Petit Blanc

CherryMelonPapayaGreenLilac

Only in East Kent Goldings

LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral

Property

PropertyPetit BlancEast Kent Goldings
Alpha acid2–4%4–6.5%
Beta acid5–6%1.9–3.5%
Co-humulone15%20–32%
Total oil0.5–0.8 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene-29–31%
Humulene-38–44%
Caryophyllene-12–16%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginFranceUnited Kingdom
PurposeAromaBittering

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