Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)vsZeus
Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) (dual purpose) and Zeus (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
Alpha acid
5.4–7.7%
Beta acid
2–3.5%
Total oil
0.8–1.2 mL
United Kingdom
Zeus
Alpha acid
13–17.5%
Beta acid
4–6.5%
Total oil
2.4–4.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV)
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Zeus
- 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
- 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 Zeus
Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent
Property
| Property | Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) | Zeus |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.4–7.7% | 13–17.5% |
| Beta acid | 2–3.5% | 4–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 35–43% | 28–40% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.2 mL | 2.4–4.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 19–27% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 35–42% | 9–18% |
| Caryophyllene | 11–15% | 6–11% |
| Farnesene | 1–2% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |