Target
Alpha acid
8.5–13.5%
Beta acid
4.3–5.7%
Total oil
1–1.4 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 Target
- 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
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Golding
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Target
CitrusMarmaladeSageSpicyPepper
Only in Golding
FloralDelicateSweet
Property
| Property | Target | Golding |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8.5–13.5% | 4–6% |
| Beta acid | 4.3–5.7% | 2–3% |
| Co-humulone | 35–40% | 20% |
| Total oil | 1–1.4 mL | 0.4–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–55% | 25–35% |
| Humulene | 17–23% | 35–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–10% | 13–16% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Aroma |
Styrian Golding