TaihekevsEast Kent Goldings

Taiheke (dual purpose) and East Kent Goldings (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Taiheke

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

1–1.5 mL

New Zealand

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 Taiheke

  • 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
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick East Kent Goldings

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

GrapefruitLemonFloral

Only in Taiheke

CitrusTropicalLimeSpicy

Only in East Kent Goldings

LavenderHoneyThymeOrange

Property

PropertyTaihekeEast Kent Goldings
Alpha acid5–9%4–6.5%
Beta acid5–5.5%1.9–3.5%
Co-humulone33–40%20–32%
Total oil1–1.5 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene50–60%29–31%
Humulene10–20%38–44%
Caryophyllene5–10%12–16%
Farnesene0–5%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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