First Gold Hops

First Gold Hops and Beer Styles it is Best for: Hopping Mad for the Perfect Pint

Reading Time: around 12 min

First Gold hops bring a touch of British charm to your brew. These little green gems pack a punch with their floral and fruity notes. You might catch a whiff of marmalade or a hint of spice as you sip your beer.

First Gold hops shine brightest in English-style ales, porters, and blonde ales. 

Their subtle complexity adds depth without overpowering the malt. Picture yourself sipping a perfectly balanced pint, where the hops dance with the other flavors instead of stomping all over them.

Want to get creative? Try using First Gold in a saison or fruit beer. These versatile hops play well with others, so don’t be afraid to mix things up. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!

Key Takeaways

  • First Gold hops offer floral and fruity notes with a touch of spice
  • They excel in English-style ales, porters, and blonde ales
  • First Gold’s versatility allows for creative use in various beer styles

 

The Hoppy Tales of First Gold Hops

First Gold hops bring a zesty punch to your brews. 

These little cones pack a flavor wallop that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Brewing Up a Storm with First Gold

Ready to make your beer sing? First Gold’s got your back! This hop variety is your secret weapon for crafting killer brews. Toss it in early for a nice bitter kick, or save it for late additions to unleash its fruity magic. 

Your nose will thank you for the tangerine and orange marmalade aromas. And don’t forget that hint of spice – it’s like a party in your mouth! Whether you’re whipping up an English ale or getting fancy with a new-world IPA…

…First Gold’s got the chops to make your beer shine.

From Wye College to Your Pint Glass

Ever wonder where your hops come from? Well, First Gold’s got a pedigree! Born in the early 1990s at Wye College in England, this hop variety is practically royalty. The brainy folks there weren’t messing around.

They wanted to create something special. 

And boy, did they succeed! From those hallowed halls to your fermenter, First Gold has been on quite the journey. Now it’s up to you to carry on the legacy and brew something amazing with these golden nuggets of hoppy goodness.

The Genetics of Greatness: Crosses and Cousins

First Gold’s family tree is pretty darn impressive. Its parents? The classic Whitbread Golding Variety and a mysterious dwarf male hop. Talk about an odd couple! This mix created a hop that’s both familiar and unique.

It’s like the cool cousin of East Kent Golding.

Similar enough to feel cozy, but with its own funky twist. 

The result? A compact plant that’s a dream for farmers and a flavor bomb for brewers. It’s got the best of both worlds – traditional English hop character with a modern flair. So when you brew with First Gold, you’re tapping into hop royalty!

Main Characteristics

  • Purpose: Dual / Universal
  • Aromas: Tangerine, Sweet Citrus, Marmalade, Apricot
  • Notes: Orange, Floral, Spicy, Herbal
  • Alpha-acids: 5.5% – 10.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
  • Beta-acids: 2.5% – 4.5% [bitterness added through maturation]
  • Cohumulone: 29% – 35% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
  • Hops oil breakdown: 0.7 – 1.7 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
    • Myrcene: 30% – 38% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
    • Humulene: 20% – 24% [noble, woody, spicy]
    • Caryophyllene: 6% – 7% [spicy, piney, herbal]
    • Farnesene: 1.5% – 3% [fresh, green, floral]

Aromas and Alpha Acids: The Signature of First Gold

First Gold hops pack a punch of flavor and bitterness that’ll make your taste buds dance. 

Let’s dive into what makes this hop variety a star in your brew.

Alpha Acid Tango: Bittering Up with First Gold

Ready to add some zing to your beer? First Gold’s got you covered with its alpha acid content ranging from 5.5% to 10%. That’s like having a bitter ninja in your brew kettle! This versatile hop can handle both early and late additions.

Giving you the power to craft the perfect bitterness level. 

Want a subtle bite? Toss it in early. 

Craving a hoppy kick? Save some for later.

It’s your beer, your rules!

But wait, there’s more! First Gold isn’t just about bitterness. It’s got a secret weapon called myrcene, an oil that adds a spicy twist to your brew. It’s like adding a dash of mystery to your beer’s personality.

The Citrus and Spice Bouquet

Now, let’s talk aroma. First Gold is like a fruit basket had a wild night out with a spice rack. You’ll get whiffs of tangerine and orange marmalade that’ll make your nostrils do a happy dance. But that’s not all, folks!

This hop’s got layers:

  • Citrus: Tangerine, orange
  • Fruit: Apricot, red berries
  • Floral: Magnolia
  • Spices and Herbal notes

 

It’s like a flavor fiesta in your glass! The humulene and caryophyllene oils bring those spicy and herbal notes to the party. Perfect for English ales, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Your taste buds will thank you!

Beyond Bitterness: The Subtle Art of Hop Flavor

First Gold hops bring more to your beer than just bitterness. They’re like a flavor ninja, sneaking in tasty surprises with every sip. Let’s explore the hidden talents of these little green cones.

Taste the Rainbow: Citrus, Berries, and Pine

First Gold hops are a flavor party in your mouth! You’ll get hit with a zesty tangerine punch, followed by a sweet orange marmalade kiss. It’s like someone stuffed a fruit basket into your brew. But wait, there’s more! 

Red berries crash the party, bringing a tart twist.

And just when you think it can’t get better, a hint of pine sneaks in to keep things interesting. It’s like drinking a forest fruit salad, minus the twigs and leaves. These hops are so versatile, they’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance in any beer style.

Sweeter than Sweet: The Magnolia and Apricot Whisper

Hold onto your taste buds, because First Gold hops have a softer side too. Imagine walking through a blooming magnolia garden while munching on a juicy apricot. That’s the magic these hops can bring to your brew. 

The floral notes are subtle, like a gentle breeze carrying the scent of magnolia blossoms. 

And the apricot? It’s not in-your-face fruity, but a delicate whisper that makes you wonder, “Is that apricot I taste?” This sweet, floral combo is perfect for balancing out stronger flavors in your beer. It’s like adding a touch of elegance to your liquid bread.

First Gold Hops Beers

The Perfect Match: Beer Styles for First Gold Hops

First Gold hops bring a magical mix of flavors to your brew. These little beauties pack a punch of fruitiness, spice, and floral notes that’ll make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into the beer styles where First Gold shines brightest!

Ale’s Well That Ends Well: First Gold in Ales

English Ales and First Gold hops? It’s a match made in beer heaven! 

These hops add a touch of spicy goodness to your traditional English Bitter. Want to kick it up a notch? Toss some First Gold into your IPA for a fruity twist. You’ll get hints of orange and marmalade that’ll make you say “cheerio” to boring brews.

For a real treat, try First Gold in a Saison. The spicy notes play well with the yeast character, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. It’s like a party where everyone’s invited, and First Gold is the life of it!

Lagers and Wheat Love First Gold Too

Don’t let ales hog all the fun! First Gold can jazz up your lagers too.

Sprinkle some in your Pilsner for a subtle fruitiness that’ll make your friends wonder what your secret is. It’s like giving your lager a tiny fruit hat – fancy, but not over the top.

In wheat beers, First Gold adds a gentle spice that complements the grain’s natural flavors. It’s like adding a pinch of magic dust to your already delicious brew. Your taste buds will thank you!

The Diverse Pals of Pale Ales and Darker Sides

Pale Ales and First Gold are like peanut butter and jelly – they just work. The hop’s fruity notes shine in lighter beers, giving your Pale Ale a refreshing kick. It’s like a fruit salad in beer form, minus the sticky fingers.

Feeling bold? Try First Gold in a Porter or Stout.

The hop’s sweetness balances out the roasty flavors, creating a smooth, complex brew. It’s like adding a spoonful of marmalade to your coffee – weird, but surprisingly delicious!

Remember, brewing with First Gold is all about having fun.

So grab some hops, fire up your kettle, and let the good times roll!

Hop to It: Brewing Techniques and Tips

Ready to make your beer sing with First Gold hops?

Let’s dive into some key techniques to get the most out of these little flavor bombs.

Boiling Points: Adding First Gold to the Mix

You’ll want to start by adding a punch of First Gold early in the boil. Toss in about 0.5-1 oz per 5 gallons at 60 minutes for that smooth bitterness. Got a British-style ale brewing? Perfect! First Gold shines here.

For more flavor, add another 0.5 oz at 15 minutes. This will give your brew a nice spicy kick with hints of orange marmalade. Yum!

Want to go wild? Try a hop stand! Cut the heat, then add 1 oz of First Gold. Let it steep for 20 minutes. Your beer will thank you with a burst of aroma.

Imperial
Metric
Imperial
Metric

Style Name

Brewing Stage

Min of Oz per gallon

Max of Oz per gallon

Min of Oz per batch [5gal]

Max of Oz per batch [5gal]

Average of Oz per gallon

Ordinary Bitter

Aroma

0.05

0.64

0.24

3.18

0.16

 

Bittering

0.01

0.32

0.07

1.59

0.13

 

Dry Hop

0.07

0.29

0.33

1.45

0.16

 

Flavor

0.04

0.23

0.2

1.14

0.1

 

Whirlpool

0.06

0.36

0.31

1.82

0.15

Ordinary Bitter Total

 

0.01

0.64

0.07

3.18

0.14

Best Bitter

Aroma

0.03

0.67

0.13

3.34

0.15

 

Bittering

0.05

0.27

0.25

1.34

0.14

 

Dry Hop

0.1

0.71

0.48

3.57

0.32

 

First Wort

0.06

0.22

0.31

1.11

0.14

 

Flavor

0.03

0.27

0.15

1.34

0.11

 

Whirlpool

0.08

0.61

0.42

3.03

0.24

Best Bitter Total

 

0.03

0.71

0.13

3.57

0.15

British Golden Ale

Aroma

0.06

0.36

0.31

1.82

0.16

 

Bittering

0.06

0.87

0.32

4.35

0.2

 

Dry Hop

0.07

0.27

0.34

1.36

0.18

 

First Wort

0.12

0.22

0.61

1.11

0.17

 

Flavor

0.07

1

0.34

5.01

0.26

 

Whirlpool

0.1

0.22

0.49

1.11

0.17

British Golden Ale Total

 

0.06

1

0.31

5.01

0.2

Strong Bitter

Aroma

0.06

0.22

0.31

1.11

0.13

 

Bittering

0.07

0.37

0.35

1.83

0.18

 

Dry Hop

0.08

0.29

0.42

1.47

0.16

 

Flavor

0.04

0.19

0.22

0.94

0.1

 

Whirlpool

0.05

0.26

0.27

1.29

0.15

Strong Bitter Total

 

0.04

0.37

0.22

1.83

0.14

English IPA

Aroma

0.05

0.35

0.26

1.76

0.15

 

Bittering

0.06

0.33

0.32

1.67

0.15

 

Dry Hop

0.13

0.26

0.67

1.28

0.18

 

Flavor

0.05

0.2

0.24

1

0.12

 

Whirlpool

0.06

0.33

0.29

1.67

0.18

English IPA Total

 

0.05

0.35

0.24

1.76

0.15

Style Name

Brewing Stage

Min of Grams per liter

Max of Grams per liter

Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]

Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]

Average of Grams per liter

Ordinary Bitter

Aroma

0.36

4.76

7.13

95.24

1.23

 

Bittering

0.1

2.38

2.06

47.62

0.95

 

Dry Hop

0.5

2.17

10

43.48

1.22

 

Flavor

0.29

1.7

5.88

34.04

0.76

 

Whirlpool

0.46

2.72

9.25

54.47

1.13

Ordinary Bitter Total

 

0.1

4.76

2.06

95.24

1.08

Best Bitter

Aroma

0.2

5

4

100

1.13

 

Bittering

0.37

2

7.49

40

1.02

 

Dry Hop

0.71

5.35

14.29

106.99

2.41

 

First Wort

0.46

1.67

9.23

33.33

1.07

 

Flavor

0.23

2

4.62

40

0.79

 

Whirlpool

0.63

4.55

12.61

90.91

1.82

Best Bitter Total

 

0.2

5.35

4

106.99

1.14

British Golden Ale

Aroma

0.46

2.72

9.14

54.47

1.23

 

Bittering

0.48

6.52

9.6

130.43

1.46

 

Dry Hop

0.51

2.04

10.29

40.85

1.32

 

First Wort

0.91

1.67

18.18

33.33

1.29

 

Flavor

0.51

7.5

10.29

150

1.95

 

Whirlpool

0.74

1.67

14.81

33.33

1.28

British Golden Ale Total

 

0.46

7.5

9.14

150

1.51

Strong Bitter

Aroma

0.47

1.66

9.36

33.29

0.97

 

Bittering

0.53

2.74

10.53

54.78

1.33

 

Dry Hop

0.62

2.2

12.48

44

1.21

 

Flavor

0.34

1.4

6.72

28.08

0.77

 

Whirlpool

0.41

1.93

8.13

38.65

1.15

Strong Bitter Total

 

0.34

2.74

6.72

54.78

1.03

English IPA

Aroma

0.38

2.64

7.69

52.83

1.16

 

Bittering

0.48

2.5

9.52

50

1.09

 

Dry Hop

1

1.92

20

38.46

1.32

 

Flavor

0.36

1.5

7.26

29.96

0.9

 

Whirlpool

0.43

2.5

8.7

50

1.37

English IPA Total

 

0.36

2.64

7.26

52.83

1.11

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

Dry Hopping: The Late Addition

Time to get sneaky with some late-game magic.

Dry hopping with First Gold will make your beer pop with fruity goodness.

Add 1-2 oz per 5 gallons during secondary fermentation. Let it sit for 3-5 days. Your nose will be hit with notes of sweet citrus and herbs. It’s like a garden party in your glass!

Pro tip: Try dry hopping in stages. Add half your hops, wait 2 days, then add the rest. This layering technique will give your beer depth and complexity. Your taste buds won’t know what hit ’em!

Going Rogue: Experimental Brews with First Gold

Ready to shake things up with First Gold? This versatile hop is perfect for brewing outside the box. Let’s dive into some wild and wacky ways to use it in your next batch.

Craft Beer Mavericks: Innovating with First Gold

Want to be a craft beer rebel? Try dry-hopping a Belgian Ale with First Gold.

Add 1 oz per 5 gallons during secondary fermentation for a zesty twist. 

Or go nuts with a First Gold-infused red ale. Toss in 0.5 oz at 60 minutes, 0.5 oz at 15 minutes, and 1 oz at flameout for a fruity punch.

Feeling extra daring? Brew up a golden ale with First Gold and a dash of honey. Use 1 oz at 60 minutes and 1 oz at 5 minutes. The floral notes will dance with the honey, creating a unique summer sipper.

Engage the Unusual Suspects: Not So Traditional Styles

Who says First Gold is just for English brews? 

Throw tradition out the window and try it in an American Pale Ale. Use 0.5 oz at first wort, 1 oz at 10 minutes, and 1 oz for dry-hopping. You’ll get a cheeky mix of old-world charm and new-world zing.

Or how about a First Gold wheat beer? Add 1 oz at 15 minutes and 0.5 oz at flameout. The hop’s orange marmalade flavors will play nicely with the wheat’s breadiness. It’s like breakfast in a glass!

Hop Varietal Showdown: First Gold vs The World

Ready to rumble with some hop varieties? Let’s pit First Gold against its rivals and see how it stacks up. You’ll discover some surprising substitutes and perfect partners for this plucky British hop.

Stirring the Pots: The Matchups and Substitutions

First Gold is like that cool cousin of the Golding family. It’s got the classic Golding vibe but with a twist. Want to swap it out? Try Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) or East Kent Goldings.

They’ll give you a similar vibe with berry and honey notes.

But here’s a curveball: Fuggle can pinch-hit too! It’s got that earthy, minty, woody thing going on. Mix First Gold with Fuggle, and you’ve got a British beer dream team.

International Hop Spies: Amarillo & Styrian Pairings

Now, let’s go globetrotting.

Amarillo from the USA? It’s like First Gold’s long-lost American cousin. Both bring citrusy goodness to your brew. Use them together, and you’ll create a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Styrian Golding, despite its name, is actually a Fuggle variety. But it plays nice with First Gold. They’re like the odd couple of the hop world – different, but weirdly complementary.

Want to go wild? Throw some Cascade in the mix. It’ll amp up the citrus and add a floral kick. Your beer will thank you for this international hop party!

Wrapping Up and Conclusions About First Gold

First Gold hops are your ticket to brewing some tasty English-style beers. These little nuggets pack a punch with their sweet orange and apricot flavors.

Want to make a killer pale ale? Toss in some First Gold. Fancy a robust ESB? First Gold’s got your back. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of hops – versatile and always useful.

Remember, a little goes a long way. 

You don’t need to dump the whole bag in to get that signature First Gold zing. 

Start small and work your way up.

But let’s assume you’re feeling a bit more adventurous… Try dry-hopping with First Gold. It’ll give your brew a lovely aroma that’ll have your mates sniffing their glasses like wine connoisseurs.

So next time you’re brewing, give First Gold a shot. It might just become your new best friend in the hop world. Cheers to tasty beers and happy brewing!

Picture of Damian

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com

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