CascadevsWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

Cascade and Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Cascade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4.5–9%

Beta acid

4.8–7.5%

Total oil

0.7–2.5 mL

United States

Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.4–7.7%

Beta acid

2–3.5%

Total oil

0.8–1.2 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitSpicyCitrusPine

Only in Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

EarthySweetHerbal

Property

PropertyCascadeWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
Alpha acid4.5–9%5.4–7.7%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%2–3.5%
Co-humulone30–40%35–43%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL0.8–1.2 mL
Myrcene45–60%19–27%
Humulene8–20%35–42%
Caryophyllene3–9%11–15%
Farnesene3–9%1–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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