Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)vsFirst Gold

Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) and First Gold 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)

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.4–7.7%

Beta acid

2–3.5%

Total oil

0.8–1.2 mL

United Kingdom

First Gold

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.6–10%

Beta acid

2.3–4.1%

Total oil

0.7–1.5 mL

United Kingdom

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 First Gold

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

FloralHerbal

Only in Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)

EarthySweet

Only in First Gold

TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryOrangeSpicy

Property

PropertyWhitbread Golding Variety (WGV)First Gold
Alpha acid5.4–7.7%5.6–10%
Beta acid2–3.5%2.3–4.1%
Co-humulone35–43%29–35%
Total oil0.8–1.2 mL0.7–1.5 mL
Myrcene19–27%24–28%
Humulene35–42%20–24%
Caryophyllene11–15%6–7%
Farnesene1–2%2–4%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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