Find the best First Gold hop substitutes with English spicy and earthy character. Discover traditional and American alternatives for authentic English ales and bitters.
Planning that authentic English bitter with First Gold hops only to discover your supplier is out of stock? I’ve experienced that exact frustration countless times over my brewing career. This modern English dual-purpose hop has become increasingly popular for craft beer brewing thanks to its improved disease resistance and reliable Goldings-like character, creating demand that occasionally exceeds availability at local suppliers. The good news? Several traditional English and American-grown hop varieties can replicate those distinctive spicy, orange, and earthy notes that make First Gold essential for classic British styles.
Finding the right First Gold hop substitute requires understanding what makes this hop special beyond just being English. It’s about capturing that distinctive combination of spicy orange, earthy complexity, and floral Goldings heritage with moderate alpha acids that modernized English brewing for contemporary production. After brewing with First Gold and testing various alternatives over the past decade, I’ve identified which substitutes actually deliver on their English promises and which fall disappointingly short when authentic British character matters.
This guide explores proven alternatives that maintain your beer’s intended flavor profile while respecting brewing traditions. Whether you’re brewing an English bitter, ESB, or traditional porter, you’ll find practical solutions that work.
Understanding First Gold’s English Heritage
First Gold emerged in 1995 from Wye College breeding as daughter of Whitbread Goldings Variety crossed with male dwarf breeding line. This dual-purpose hop delivers spicy, orange, earthy, floral, and Goldings-like characteristics with moderate alpha acids of 6.5-8.5%. What distinguishes First Gold from traditional Goldings is its improved disease resistance, compact growth habit, and higher alpha acids while maintaining authentic English Goldings character that defined British brewing.
The hop’s development represented English brewing’s response to declining traditional Goldings cultivation due to disease and low yields. First Gold’s improved agronomics created sustainable Goldings-like character when traditional East Kent Goldings faced production challenges. The variety’s moderate alpha acids provide more bittering efficiency than low-alpha Goldings while preserving refined aromatic character.
When I first brewed with First Gold in a traditional English bitter seven years ago, the gentle spicy-orange aroma with earthy Goldings backing created exactly the refined British character I sought. That clean, authentic elegance is First Gold’s magic – Goldings enough to honor heritage yet practical enough for modern brewing demands.
Top First Gold Hop Substitute Options
East Kent Goldings: The Traditional Standard
East Kent Goldings stands as the most logical First Gold substitute for brewers seeking original Goldings character. This legendary English variety delivers earthy, herbal, honey, floral, and spicy characteristics with low alpha acids of 4-6.5% that create even more refined profiles than First Gold.
Named after the East Kent region where traditional cultivation thrives, East Kent Goldings represents the original English hop that First Gold was bred to modernize. The hop shares First Gold’s emphasis on refined spicy-earthy-floral character while offering slightly lower alpha acids and more pronounced honey-earthy complexity from traditional terroir.
I’ve successfully substituted East Kent Goldings for First Gold in bitters and ESBs by using approximately 25-40% more by weight to compensate for lower alpha acids. The beer’s character maintains English spicy-earthy nature while shifting toward more traditional honey-earthy refinement. Use East Kent Goldings when you want original Goldings character with utmost authenticity from the Brewers Association standards.
Fuggles: Classic English Earthy
Fuggles brings earthy, woody, herbal, mild, and grassy characteristics with low alpha acids of 3.5-5.5%. This traditional English hop provides earthy-woody character that complements First Gold’s Goldings heritage while emphasizing different flavor profiles.
Named after breeder Richard Fuggle who developed it around 1875, Fuggles represents classic English brewing alongside Goldings. While lacking First Gold’s specific orange-spice notes, Fuggles’ pure earthy-woody profile creates traditional English alternatives when gentle character matters.
When substituting Fuggles for First Gold, use approximately 40-60% more by weight to compensate for significantly lower alpha acids. The beer’s character shifts toward earthy-woody rather than spicy-orange, creating traditional English profiles suitable for milds, porters, and classic bitters.
Willamette: American Goldings-Type
Willamette delivers earthy, herbal, floral, spicy, and fruity characteristics with low alpha acids of 4-6%. This American variety bred specifically as Fuggle descendant provides English-like character with domestic availability and consistent quality.
Released by USDA breeding in 1976 as descendant of English Fuggle, Willamette represents American attempts to recreate English hop character. The hop’s genetic heritage creates authentic earthy-herbal-spicy profiles similar to First Gold while adapting to American growing conditions.
Use approximately 30-50% more Willamette by weight when substituting for First Gold to compensate for lower alpha acids. The beer maintains English-like earthy-spicy nature with slightly cleaner character than traditional English hops due to American terroir. Willamette works exceptionally well when imported English hops prove unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
Styrian Goldings: Slovenian English-Style
Styrian Goldings offers earthy, spicy, herbal, and floral characteristics with moderate alpha acids of 4.5-6%. This Slovenian variety (actually Fuggle grown in Slovenia) provides English-style character with Central European terroir.
Despite the name, Styrian Goldings is actually Fuggle cultivated in Slovenia’s Styria region. The hop’s specific terroir creates distinctive earthy-spicy character similar to English varieties while expressing regional differences.
When substituting Styrian Goldings for First Gold, use approximately 30-45% more by weight to compensate for moderately lower alpha acids. The beer’s character maintains earthy-spicy English-like nature with subtle Central European elegance. Styrian Goldings works beautifully when authentic English character with interesting regional variation matters.
Progress: English Goldings Improvement
Progress brings earthy, spicy, floral, and Goldings-like characteristics with moderate alpha acids of 5-7% that approach First Gold’s range. This English variety bred from Whitbread Goldings Variety provides Goldings character with improved disease resistance.
Released from Wye College breeding, Progress shares First Gold’s emphasis on modernizing Goldings character for sustainable cultivation. While lacking First Gold’s specific orange notes, Progress’s clean spicy-earthy profile creates authentic English alternatives.
Use approximately 15-25% more Progress by weight when substituting for First Gold to compensate for moderately lower alpha acids. The hop’s spicy-earthy character approximates First Gold’s Goldings nature without pronounced orange, maintaining traditional English profiles.
Crystal: American Noble-Type
Crystal delivers spicy, floral, cinnamon, mild, and noble-like characteristics with low alpha acids of 3.5-5.5%. This American variety bred from Hallertau types provides spicy-floral character that can approximate First Gold’s spice component.
Developed by USDA breeding, Crystal shares genetic heritage with German noble hops while expressing unique cinnamon-spice character. While lacking English Goldings heritage, Crystal’s refined spice creates interesting alternatives when domestic availability matters.
When substituting Crystal for First Gold, use approximately 40-60% more by weight due to lower alpha acids. The beer’s cinnamon-spice character differs from First Gold’s orange-spice but maintains refined profiles suitable for English-style ales.
Blending Strategies for Complete Substitution
The 60/40 Traditional English Blend
My most successful First Gold replacement combines 60% East Kent Goldings with 40% Fuggles. This blend captures East Kent Goldings’ refined spicy-honey character while Fuggles adds earthy-woody complexity approximating First Gold’s complete Goldings-like profile. The combination creates more authentic English character than either hop alone.
Calculate your total hop bill first, then split according to this ratio for all additions. Use increased quantities (approximately 35-50% more than original First Gold amounts) to compensate for lower combined alpha acids while achieving traditional British brewing character.
The American English-Style Approach
For brewers seeking domestic availability, use Willamette alone or blend 70% Willamette with 30% Crystal. This combination emphasizes Willamette’s English-like earthy-spicy while Crystal adds cinnamon-spice creating American interpretation of English character.
Use this blend at increased quantities (approximately 35-45% more than original First Gold amounts) to compensate for lower combined alpha acids. The American character creates accessible alternatives when imported English hops face availability or cost challenges.
Single-Hop Simplicity
Sometimes simplicity wins. For straightforward English ales where traditional Goldings character matters most, East Kent Goldings alone provides the most direct substitution despite requiring increased quantities. The hop’s legendary status makes it ideal when Goldings authenticity defines the recipe.
For beers demanding convenient alpha acids, Progress by itself works beautifully at similar quantities to First Gold. The hop’s Goldings-like nature creates compelling alternatives when First Gold proves unavailable.
Beer Style Considerations
English Bitters and ESBs
These classic British styles showcase English hops beautifully. East Kent Goldings or Fuggles work exceptionally well as First Gold substitutes, providing refined spicy-earthy character that defines traditional English brewing.
Use moderate hopping rates (1-1.5 oz per gallon total) with emphasis on late additions where English character shines without excessive bitterness. Traditional British brewing demonstrates that restraint creates balance appropriate for session-strength bitters.
English Milds and Browns
Malt-forward styles showcase Fuggles or Willamette where subtle earthy character supports rather than dominates rich malt complexity and caramel sweetness.
Keep hopping rates low (0.5-1 oz per gallon total) focusing on gentle bitterness (15-25 IBUs) and refined aromatics. These styles demand restraint where subtle hop character enhances malt complexity without interference.
Porters and Stouts
Dark roasted styles benefit from East Kent Goldings or Fuggles substitutions that provide traditional English character complementing chocolate and coffee malt flavors.
Use moderate hopping rates (0.75-1.25 oz per gallon total) allowing roasted malt character to remain prominent. Traditional English hopping creates classic porter and stout profiles where earthy-spicy hops integrate with roasted complexity.
Here is the comparison chart:
First Gold Hop Substitute Comparison Chart – Alpha Acids, Flavors, and Beer Style Compatibility
Timing Your Hop Additions for English Character
Moderate Bittering Efficiency
First Gold’s moderate alpha acids (6.5-8.5%) provide reasonable bittering efficiency. When using lower-alpha substitutes like East Kent Goldings or Fuggles, increase quantities proportionally for equivalent bitterness.
I typically use 0.75-1.25 oz per gallon at 60 minutes with First Gold substitutes to establish baseline bitterness around 25-40 IBUs appropriate for English bitters and ESBs. The moderate bittering supports malt without harsh edges characteristic of traditional British brewing.
Flavor Additions (15-20 Minutes)
This window captures English character without excessive bitterness. All First Gold substitutes excel here, releasing spicy-earthy-floral aromatics that integrate smoothly.
Add 0.5-1 oz per gallon at 15 minutes for traditional bitters and ESBs. This timing provides sufficient heat for extraction while preserving delicate English aromatics that define British brewing heritage.
Late Additions and Flameout
The final 5 minutes and flameout maximize English aromatics while minimizing additional bitterness. This technique suits all First Gold substitutes by preserving delicate spicy-earthy-floral character.
Use moderate quantities (0.25-0.75 oz per gallon) at flameout to add final aromatic layers. Traditional English brewing emphasizes late hop additions in cask-conditioned ales where refined character develops during conditioning.
Traditional English Dry Hopping
English cask ales traditionally employ dry hopping in casks rather than fermenters. When dry hopping with First Gold substitutes, use restrained quantities (0.25-0.5 oz per gallon) for 3-5 days in secondary or cask.
Traditional English dry hopping creates subtle aromatic enhancement rather than modern American hop-forward intensity. East Kent Goldings particularly suits traditional cask dry hopping where gentle spicy-earthy character develops during conditioning.
Adjusting for Alpha Acids and Character
Understanding First Gold’s Moderate Profile
First Gold’s moderate alpha acids (6.5-8.5%) provide reasonable bittering efficiency while maintaining refined aromatic character. Most substitutes have lower alpha acids, requiring quantity adjustments.
Use this formula: (First Gold AA% ÷ Substitute AA%) × Original Amount = Substitute Amount. For example: (7.5% ÷ 5%) × 1 oz = 1.5 oz of East Kent Goldings needed to replace 1 oz of First Gold for equivalent bitterness.
Oil Content and Complexity
First Gold’s moderate oil content creates solid aromatic impact. Substitutes with similar oil compositions create authentic English character – East Kent Goldings emphasizes honey-earthy, Fuggles adds woody-earthy, and Willamette provides herbal-spicy complexity.
When blending substitutes, layer varieties with complementary profiles to approximate First Gold’s complete spicy-orange-earthy nature more authentically than single hops alone.
Water Chemistry for Traditional Expression
Traditional Burton-on-Trent Water
Classic English pale ales utilize Burton-on-Trent water profile featuring high sulfate (250-350 ppm) and moderate calcium. This mineral profile accentuates hop bitterness and creates crisp, dry finishes characteristic of traditional bitters and pale ales.
For First Gold substitutes in English bitters and ESBs, replicate Burton profile with appropriate mineral additions. The high sulfate brings forward English hop character while creating dry finishes that define traditional British brewing.
pH and English Malt Balance
Proper mash pH (5.2-5.6) supports traditional English malt-hop balance. Target moderate pH (5.3-5.5) that allows rich malt character to shine while English hops provide complementary bitterness and aromatics.
Traditional English brewing demonstrates that proper pH management creates smooth, drinkable session beers where delicate hop character integrates with malt complexity.
Yeast Strain Synergies
English Ale Yeast Complexity
For authentic English ales, traditional English ale yeasts (WLP002/S-04, WLP007) create characteristic fruity esters that enhance rather than compete with English hop character.
Ferment at moderate temperatures (65-68°F) to encourage balanced ester production. The moderate fruit character (apple, pear) complements rather than overwhelms spicy-earthy English hop aromatics characteristic of traditional bitter and ESB.
Burton Ale Yeast Character
For Burton-style pale ales, Burton ale yeast (WLP023) creates distinctive mineral-sulfur character that accentuates hop bitterness while maintaining clean fermentation.
Ferment at appropriate temperatures (68-72°F) with proper Burton water profile. The yeast’s specific character enhances hop-forward Burton pale ales where assertive bitterness defines the style.
Sourcing and Availability
First Gold Accessibility
First Gold enjoys moderate availability through English hop suppliers and specialty importers. When available, expect moderate-premium pricing ($14-20 per pound) for imported English hops compared to domestic American varieties ($8-14 per pound).
The hop’s improved disease resistance provides more reliable production than traditional Goldings, making it increasingly popular for sustainable English-style brewing.
Substitute Availability
Traditional English hops face varying availability. East Kent Goldings and Fuggles stock moderately through specialty English hop suppliers but face sporadic availability. American-grown Willamette maintains excellent year-round availability through domestic suppliers at accessible pricing. Styrian Goldings, Progress, and Crystal stock reasonably through specialty suppliers.
Storage Best Practices
Store all hops in oxygen-barrier bags in your freezer at 0°F or below. English hops’ delicate aromatics are particularly vulnerable to oxidation and should be used within 6-9 months for peak spicy-earthy-floral character.
Vacuum-seal hops immediately after opening original packaging to preserve quality through proper storage practices.
Common Substitution Mistakes
Using Bold American Citrus Hops
Substituting First Gold with aggressive American citrus hops like Cascade or Centennial completely misses English character. English hop substitution requires English or English-like varieties emphasizing refined earthy-spicy rather than bold citrus-pine.
Over-Hopping Traditional Styles
Applying modern American hopping rates (3-6 oz per gallon) to traditional English styles creates harsh character inappropriate for session-strength bitters. Traditional brewing demonstrates that restraint creates drinkability.
Wrong Water Chemistry
Using soft water profiles in traditional English pale ales misses the crisp, dry character that high-sulfate Burton water provides. Proper mineral content accentuates English hop character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest substitute for First Gold hops?
East Kent Goldings provides closest traditional Goldings character match, though with lower alpha acids requiring increased quantities (approximately 1.3-1.5× original amounts). Progress offers closest alpha acid match with similar Goldings-like character. Blend 60% East Kent Goldings with 40% Fuggles for most complete spicy-earthy English substitution.
Can I use just one hop instead of First Gold?
Yes, single-hop substitutions work well in traditional English styles. East Kent Goldings excels in bitters and ESBs with authentic Goldings character. Progress suits English ales needing similar alpha acids. Willamette works in American-brewed English styles. Choose based on desired authenticity and alpha acid requirements.
How much substitute hop should I use compared to First Gold?
For East Kent Goldings (5.5% AA) replacing First Gold (7.5% AA), use approximately 1.36× the amount for equivalent bitterness. For Fuggles (4.5% AA), use about 1.67× original amounts. For Progress (6% AA), use roughly 1.25× First Gold quantities. Adjust based on specific alpha acid percentages.
Do these substitutes work in all beer styles?
First Gold substitutes adapt well across traditional English styles. East Kent Goldings, Fuggles, and Progress suit English bitters, ESBs, milds, porters, and stouts. Willamette works in American interpretations. Avoid English hops in aggressive American IPAs or fruit-forward NEIPAs where refined character gets overwhelmed.
When should I add these hops during brewing?
Use moderate bittering additions (0.75-1.25 oz per gallon at 60 minutes), substantial flavor additions (0.5-1 oz per gallon at 15 minutes), and moderate late additions (0.25-0.75 oz per gallon at flameout) for traditional English styles. Limited dry hopping (0.25-0.5 oz per gallon for 3-5 days) maintains authentic English character.
Will my beer taste exactly the same with substitutes?
No substitute perfectly replicates First Gold’s exact spicy-orange-earthy combination, but well-chosen alternatives create equally authentic English character with slightly different emphasis. East Kent Goldings emphasizes honey-earthy, Fuggles adds woody-earthy, and Progress provides clean spicy-earthy complexity maintaining British brewing authenticity.
Where can I buy these substitute hops?
Specialty suppliers focusing on English hops stock East Kent Goldings, Fuggles, and Progress with varying availability. Major online suppliers like Yakima Valley Hops, Northern Brewer, and BSG Craft Brewing carry Willamette year-round. Styrian Goldings available through European hop specialists.
How should I store substitute hops?
Store all hops in oxygen-barrier packaging (vacuum-sealed mylar bags) in freezer at 0°F or below. Delicate English hop aromatics maintain quality for 6-9 months frozen, with subtle spicy-earthy notes fading faster than bold American citrus. Use freshest hops for late additions where English character matters most.
Making Your Final Choice
Selecting the perfect First Gold hop substitute depends on your beer style, desired English authenticity, and hop availability. East Kent Goldings offers most authentic traditional matching for brewers seeking original Goldings character in classic English bitters and ESBs where traditional British heritage defines the beer.
Progress provides convenient alpha acid alternative for brewers seeking minimal quantity adjustments. Its Goldings-like nature creates compelling substitutions when First Gold proves unavailable while maintaining authentic English character.
Willamette delivers accessible American-grown option for brewers prioritizing consistent availability and moderate pricing. Its English-like character works beautifully in American interpretations of British styles where domestic ingredients and reliability matter.
Remember that exceptional traditional beer comes from respecting brewing heritage while adapting practically to ingredient availability. English hop substitutions honor British traditions while acknowledging modern realities of sustainable brewing.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with blends, use generous late additions following traditional English methods, or embrace American-grown English-type varieties when imported hops prove unavailable. The brewing community continues proving that thoughtful substitution creates authentic character worthy of brewing traditions.
Whether you’re crafting a classic English bitter, traditional ESB, or refined porter, these First Gold substitutes will help you create exceptional beer that captures English spicy-earthy-floral character. Trust traditional methods, brew with appropriate restraint, and embrace the balance that makes English brewing timeless and rewarding.
About the Author
Mark Kegman spent 15 years as a mechanical engineer before turning his analytical mind to brewing equipment and hop testing. His methodical approach to reviewing hop varieties and brewing gear has earned him a reputation for thorough, unbiased assessments. Mark maintains a fully equipped home brewery lab where he puts everything from budget starter kits to professional-grade systems through rigorous testing protocols. He’s particularly passionate about helping brewers find the best value equipment and hop alternatives for traditional brewing styles. When not testing brewing products, Mark enjoys creating detailed comparison videos and documenting his hop variety experiments. Connect with him on Instagram for equipment reviews and hop variety insights.