First Gold Hops is a dwarf variety that is as versatile as a Swiss army knife during a day of brewing. In 1995 Wye College produced yet another important variety that was a cross between Whitbread Golding Variety (WGV) and a dwarf male. This dual purpose hops is off to an excellent start as far as mankind, time, beer, and such.

First Gold Hops has moderate alpha acid content at 6.5%-8.5% and has a ethereal balance between bitterness and flavor. This hops carries a balance of the essential oils, along with high levels of farnesene oil. Farnesene is a pleasant oil that carries flowery notes, like magnolia, some citrus, as well as herbal and woody notes. First Gold also has a slender spice to it as well.

It may be easier to name the beers that First Gold might not be suitable in.....as this dexterous variety can be found in all kinds of commercial beers. Its the moderate hops, and pleasing flavors and aromas that make First Gold usable at any point of the brewing process, including dry hopping. Due to its origins it is more popular in the U.K. however that is not stopping its proliferation. Although it has moderately low yield (it is a dwarf), it makes up for it in its storage ability.

First Gold Hops Usage

First Gold hops is commonly used for both its aromatic qualities as well as its bittering qualities.

First Gold Hops Substitutes
Willamette, East Kent Golding, Styrian Golding

Common Beer Styles for First Gold Hops
English Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Extra Special Bitter (ESB), Porter,English Bitter, Wheat, Celtic Ale, Summer Ale, Amber Ale, Dark Amber Ale, India Pale Ale, Imperial India Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Bitter, Blonde Ale