Whitbread Golding Hops (WGV) – Whole Leaf 100g

Whitbread Golding Whole Leaf Hops

Whitbread Golding hops (WGV) are a traditional UK aroma variety, derived from a Goldings seedling and selected for their slightly bolder character.

They feature soft floral and earthy notes with subtle fruit and spice. In whole leaf form, WGV adds smooth aroma and mild flavour in balanced, malt-forward styles.

Best used in late boil or whirlpool additions, where their delicate profile won’t be lost.

Whitbread Golding Hop Profile

• Origin: United Kingdom
• Alpha Acid: 5–7%
• Beta Acid: 2–3%
• Characteristics: Floral, earthy, mild fruit, soft spice
• Substitutes: East Kent Goldings, Fuggle, Styrian Golding
• Use: Aroma, late boil, whirlpool

Whitbread Golding Hop Flavour

WGV brings a subtle complexity, combining floral aroma with gentle spice and light fruitiness.

Compared to other Golding types, it offers a slightly rounder, richer profile — especially noticeable in late-kettle additions.

Beer Styles for Whitbread Golding Hops

WGV is suited to British-style ales where understated hop aroma supports malt character.

• English Bitter: Contributes floral and earthy notes with soft background fruit.
• ESB: Adds rounded complexity without overpowering malt or yeast.
• Brown Ale: Enhances smooth, nutty malts with balanced aroma.
• Golden Ale: Brings soft spice and floral lift to clean pale malt.
• English Mild: Provides delicate aroma in low-bitterness, sessionable styles.

Whitbread Golding Hop Substitutes

Whitbread Golding hops can be substituted with other UK aroma varieties like East Kent Goldings, Fuggle, or Styrian Golding.

• East Kent Goldings: Slightly sweeter and more floral, but close in character and purpose.
• Fuggle: Earthier and less fruity, but suitable for similar beer styles.
• Styrian Golding: Offers a mild herbal aroma with some overlap in balance and expression.

Whitbread Golding Hop Pairings

Pairs well with Fuggle, Challenger, and East Kent Goldings to create layered, classic English profiles.

• Fuggle: Adds earthiness and herbal weight to WGV’s light floral tones.
• Challenger: Offers structure and subtle citrus bitterness to round out blends.
• East Kent Goldings: Enhances sweet floral and honey notes when paired with WGV.

Brewer’s Tip

WGV is an excellent choice when you want a touch more personality than classic Goldings.

Use it late in the boil or in the whirlpool for floral-fruity aroma that sits nicely behind malt and yeast character.