Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)vsEroica

Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) (dual purpose) and Eroica (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

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

Eroica

Bittering

Alpha acid

7.3–14.9%

Beta acid

3–5.3%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Eroica

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

EarthyFloralSweetHerbal

Only in Eroica

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Property

PropertyWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)Eroica
Alpha acid5.4–7.7%7.3–14.9%
Beta acid2–3.5%3–5.3%
Co-humulone35–43%40%
Total oil0.8–1.2 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene19–27%55–65%
Humulene35–42%0–1%
Caryophyllene11–15%7–13%
Farnesene1–2%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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