General Description

Grown exclusively in Kent in the UK, East Kent Golding is often thought of as the ultimate English hop. A hop with a long history stretching centuries, it is a legendary variety that is well known for its earthy, mildly bittering and sweet, honey like character. It is one of the UK’s favourite hop varieties that is used in a wide variety of beer styles!

Characteristics

Alpha Acids: 5 – 6%

Beta Acids: 2 – 3% 

Primary usage: Aromatic additions

Aromatic character: Earthy, mildly bittering, sweet, honey.

Complimentary beer styles

This hop strain is best used in beer styles such as:

Pale Ale

Extra Special English Ale

English Dark Ale

English Light Ale

Belgian Ale

Christmas Ale

Due to its versatile flavour profile and mild bittering properties.

Substitutes

Whitbread Golding

Fuggle

First Gold

Progress

Keep in mind that alpha acid differences in substitutes may need to be accounted for when weighing out your quantities.

Storage

Colder is better when storing hops as the rate of loss halves for every 15°C lowered in temperature. Optimal storage conditions for hops are between -21°C - 0°C in a sealed, airtight environment.

Shelf life

If stored in ideal conditions your hops will only experience a rate of deterioration of about 10% for every 6 months stored. An unopened packet of hop pellets can effectively last up to 4 years in ideal conditions, though keep in mind that the rate of deterioration increases at higher temperatures and unsealed environments.