Pilot
Alpha acid
8–11.5%
Beta acid
3.3–5%
Total oil
0.8–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
Golding
Alpha acid
4–6%
Beta acid
2–3%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Pilot
- 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
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Golding
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Pilot
LemonSpicyMarmalade
Only in Golding
FloralDelicateSweet
Property
| Property | Pilot | Golding |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8–11.5% | 4–6% |
| Beta acid | 3.3–5% | 2–3% |
| Co-humulone | 28–37% | 20% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.5 mL | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 35–40% | 25–35% |
| Humulene | 3–6% | 35–45% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 13–16% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Aroma |
Styrian Golding