Goldings

Goldings refers to a group of traditional English hop varieties used in beer brewing, most famously the East Kent Goldings. The name originates from hop growers in Kent, England, associated with the Golding family who were known for selecting and propagating these aroma hops in the 18th and 19th centuries. East Kent Goldings became a cornerstone of English ale styles, prized for their delicate, spicy, and honey-like aroma with earthy and floral notes.

In cultivation, Goldings are historically grown in the southeast of England, with regional clones and selections developing over time. They have moderate alpha acid content, making them suitable for late additions to the boil or for dry hopping to preserve aroma. They are commonly used in bitters, pale ales, porters, and other English-style beers, often blended with other aroma hops to achieve balanced profiles.

Over time, the name Goldings has come to refer to several related cultivars and selections derived from the original stock, including later associations with brewery-derived selections such as Whitbread Goldings. In modern brewing, Goldings are sometimes used alongside or replaced by higher-alpha varieties, but they remain a staple for traditional British flavor profiles.

Goldings also exists as an English surname, historically associated with families involved in hop cultivation and agriculture in Kent. The name has spread globally through migration and trade, and individuals bearing the surname appear in various regions and eras.