Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)vsColumbus
Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) and Columbus are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
Alpha acid
5.4–7.7%
Beta acid
2–3.5%
Total oil
0.8–1.2 mL
United Kingdom
Columbus
Alpha acid
14–18%
Beta acid
4.5–6%
Total oil
2.5–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
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
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
EarthyFloral
Only in Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
SweetHerbal
Only in Columbus
Black currantLicoriceCurrySpicyCitrusPungentDankCannabis
Property
| Property | Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.4–7.7% | 14–18% |
| Beta acid | 2–3.5% | 4.5–6% |
| Co-humulone | 35–43% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.2 mL | 2.5–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 19–27% | 45–55% |
| Humulene | 35–42% | 9–14% |
| Caryophyllene | 11–15% | 6–10% |
| Farnesene | 1–2% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |