NuggetvsWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

Nugget 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.

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 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 Nugget

  • 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

HerbalHerbalEarthy

Only in Nugget

CitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeCoconut

Only in Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

FloralSweet

Property

PropertyNuggetWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
Alpha acid9.5–16%5.4–7.7%
Beta acid3–5.8%2–3.5%
Co-humulone22–30%35–43%
Total oil0.9–3.3 mL0.8–1.2 mL
Myrcene48–59%19–27%
Humulene12–22%35–42%
Caryophyllene7–10%11–15%
Farnesene0–1%1–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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