East Kent Golding

East Kent Golding is often thought of as the ultimate English hop. Grown exclusively in Kent, England and descended from Canterbury Whitebine, it is a centuries old variety. Despite claims to the contrary, it is identical to Canterbury Golding. The two names have been used interchangeably for some time. Canterbury is a town in East Kent and the hop was first brought to market there in 1790. Some, however, charge to this day that East Kent Golding and Cantebury Golding are two distinct varieties though there is no clear evidence to support this. The variety began to be known primarily as East Kent Golding in 1838.

It has a good yield in England, but has shown to have an even better yield in Oregon after its introduction there in 1994. It has an amazing aroma profile with lavender, spice, honey and notes of thyme. Flavor-wise it is earthy and mildly bittering with a sweet, silky, honey-like character. East Kent Golding is considered to be the quintessential English hop, long held as one of the island’s favorites for ales and pale ales.

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Also Known As	Kent Golding, EKG, Canterbury Golding
Characteristics	Aromas of lavender, spice, honey, thyme, earthy flavors
Purpose	Aroma
Alpha Acid Composition	5%-6%
Beta Acid Composition	2%-3%
Co-Humulone Composition	29%
Country
Cone Size	Large
Cone Density	Loose
Seasonal Maturity	Early
Yield Amount	640 kg/hectare (570 lbs/acre)
Growth Rate	High
Resistant to	Moderately resistant to downy mildew
Susceptible to	Susceptible to hop mosaic virus
Storability	Retains 78% alpha acid after 6 months storage at 20ºC (68ºF)
Ease of Harvest
Total Oil Composition	0.85 mL/100g
Myrcene Oil Composition	42%
Humulene Oil Composition	27%
Caryophyllene Oil	9%
Farnesene Oil	0%-1%
Substitutes	Whitbread Golding, Progress, Fuggle, First Gold
Style Guide	Pale Ale, Extra Special English Ale, English Dark Ale, English Light Ale, Belgian Ale, Christmas Ale