ColumbusvsWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
Columbus 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.
Columbus
Alpha acid
14–18%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
2.5–4.5 mL
United States
Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
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 Columbus
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
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
EarthyFloral
Only in Columbus
Black currantLicoriceCurrySpicyCitrusPungentDankCannabis
Only in Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
SweetHerbal
Property
| Property | Columbus | Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 14–18% | 5.4–7.7% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–6% | 2–3.5% |
| Co-humulone | 28–35% | 35–43% |
| Total oil | 2.5–4.5 mL | 0.8–1.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–55% | 19–27% |
| Humulene | 9–14% | 35–42% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–10% | 11–15% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 1–2% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |