First GoldvsWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
First Gold 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.
First Gold
Alpha acid
5.6–10%
Beta acid
2.3–4.1%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
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 First Gold
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- 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
HerbalHerbalFloral
Only in First Gold
TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryOrangeSpicy
Only in Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
EarthySweet
Property
| Property | First Gold | Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.6–10% | 5.4–7.7% |
| Beta acid | 2.3–4.1% | 2–3.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–35% | 35–43% |
| Total oil | 0.7–1.5 mL | 0.8–1.2 mL |
| Myrcene | 24–28% | 19–27% |
| Humulene | 20–24% | 35–42% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–7% | 11–15% |
| Farnesene | 2–4% | 1–2% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Willamette