Southern TropicvsEast Kent Goldings
Southern Tropic and East Kent Goldings are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Southern Tropic
Alpha acid
12.6–18.1%
Beta acid
5–6.5%
Total oil
-
South Africa
East Kent Goldings
Alpha acid
4–6.5%
Beta acid
1.9–3.5%
Total oil
0.4–1 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Southern Tropic
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick East Kent Goldings
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 Southern Tropic
MelonTroicalGuavaButterscotchLemongrassCoconutPungentPineappleBubblegumCitrus
Only in East Kent Goldings
LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral
Property
| Property | Southern Tropic | East Kent Goldings |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12.6–18.1% | 4–6.5% |
| Beta acid | 5–6.5% | 1.9–3.5% |
| Co-humulone | 26–30% | 20–32% |
| Total oil | - | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 19–46% | 29–31% |
| Humulene | 14–40% | 38–44% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–14% | 12–16% |
| Farnesene | 8–11% | 0–1% |
| Origin | South Africa | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |
Golding