TomahawkvsWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

Tomahawk 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.

Tomahawk

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 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 Tomahawk

  • 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

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

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Tomahawk

CitrusBlack currantLicoriceCurryOnion

Only in Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

EarthyFloralSweetHerbal

Property

PropertyTomahawkWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
Alpha acid15–17.5%5.4–7.7%
Beta acid4.5–6%2–3.5%
Co-humulone28–35%35–43%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL0.8–1.2 mL
Myrcene45–55%19–27%
Humulene9–14%35–42%
Caryophyllene6–10%11–15%
Farnesene0–1%1–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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