The Brewer

East Kent Goldings: The Floral Crown of British Hops

East Kent Goldings: The Gold Standard of Tradition

East Kent Goldings (EKG) is widely considered the most refined of all English hop varieties. Developed from the wild Canterbury Whitebine in the late 1700s, this hop has been the backbone of premium British brewing for over two centuries. While Fuggles provides the “earth,” Goldings provides the “flowers.”

The Importance of “East Kent”

In the UK, “East Kent Goldings” is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

  • The Soil: To carry the name, the hops must be grown in the specific “East Kent” area. The soil here is “brickearth” over chalk/limestone.
  • The Terroir: This calcium-rich soil and the cool, salty winds from the English Channel create a flavor profile that is sweeter and more floral than generic “Goldings” grown elsewhere (like Herefordshire or Styria).

Flavor and Aroma Profile

EKG is famous for its sweet, smooth, and multi-layered aroma. It is far more delicate than its American counterparts and lacks any aggressive citrus.

  • Primary Aromas: Honey, lavender, and thyme.
  • Secondary Notes: Subtle spicy lemon marmalade and soft earth.
  • Dry Hopping: Historically, “Dry Hopping” was invented in the UK using EKG in wooden casks of Pale Ale. It adds a fresh, grassy lift to the beer.

Substitutes and Relatives

If you cannot source PDO East Kent Goldings, be careful what you substitute:

  • Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV): A relative, but more “earthy” and robust.
  • First Gold: A modern “dwarf” hop that has the marmalade notes but is more intense.
  • Styrian Goldings: Despite the name, this is actually a Fuggles variation! Don’t be fooled if you want the EKG honey note.

Commercial Examples

  • Fuller’s London Pride: Uses EKG for flavor, giving it that classic orange-marmalade note.
  • Samuel Smith’s Pale Ale: Fermented in stone squares, showcasing the yeast and EKG interplay.
  • Brooklyn Lager: Uses EKG for dry hopping to give a floral nose to an amber lager.

Characteristics at a Glance

  • Alpha Acids: 4.0% – 6.0%
  • Beta Acids: 2.0% – 3.0%
  • Total Oil: 0.4 – 1.0 mL/100g
  • Key Terpenes: Humulene (High), Myrcene (Low - explains the lack of “dankness”).

East Kent Goldings is the definition of “sophistication.” It is the proof that hops do not need to be aggressive to be impactful. For any brewer aiming to create a balanced, world-class English-style ale, EKG is the undisputed king.