East Kent Goldings a.k.a. EKG
The classic English bitter hop.
What it tastes like
East Kent Goldings is the soul of English cask ale. Earthy, slightly floral, faintly honeyed, with a soft herbal bitterness. If you've had a proper bitter, ESB, or English brown, you've had EKG. Strongly tied to Kent terroir — only hops grown in Kent can use the name.
Best in these styles
English bitterESBEnglish brown aleEnglish IPA
Beers showcasing East Kent Goldings
Specific beer examples coming soon.
Substitutes & relatives
If you can't source East Kent Goldings, these hops bring overlapping character.
For brewers — technical profile
Alpha Acid
4.5–6.5%
Beta Acid
1.9–2.8%
Total Oil
0.4–0.8 mL/100g
Oil composition
myrcene
20-30%
humulene
35-45%
caryophyllene
10-14%
farnesene
<1%
History
Documented in commercial brewing since the late 18th century. Protected designation — only hops grown in Kent can use the East Kent name.