SunvsEast Kent Goldings

Sun and East Kent Goldings are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Sun

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–16%

Beta acid

4.5–7%

Total oil

-

United States

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 Sun

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick East Kent Goldings

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Sun

Herbal

Only in East Kent Goldings

LavenderHoneyLemonThymeOrangeGrapefruitFloral

Property

PropertySunEast Kent Goldings
Alpha acid12–16%4–6.5%
Beta acid4.5–7%1.9–3.5%
Co-humulone30–40%20–32%
Total oil-0.4–1 mL
Myrcene-29–31%
Humulene-38–44%
Caryophyllene-12–16%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeBitteringBittering

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