StirlingvsFirst Gold
Stirling and First Gold are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Stirling
Alpha acid
6–12%
Beta acid
4–6%
Total oil
1.3–1.9 mL
United States
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 Stirling
- 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
When to pick First Gold
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
HerbalSpicyFloral
Only in Stirling
Citus
Only in First Gold
TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryOrange
Property
| Property | Stirling | First Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 6–12% | 5.6–10% |
| Beta acid | 4–6% | 2.3–4.1% |
| Co-humulone | 21–28% | 29–35% |
| Total oil | 1.3–1.9 mL | 0.7–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 44–48% | 24–28% |
| Humulene | 19–23% | 20–24% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–7% | 6–7% |
| Farnesene | 11–17% | 2–4% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |