diff --git a/gnu/packages/golang.scm b/gnu/packages/golang.scm
index 4a3b42f438..c67ef036ee 100644
--- a/gnu/packages/golang.scm
+++ b/gnu/packages/golang.scm
@@ -584,7 +584,7 @@ (define-public go-1.12
        ,@(package-native-inputs go-1.4)))
     (supported-systems %supported-systems)))
 
-(define-public go go-1.11)
+(define-public go go-1.12)
 
 (define-public go-github-com-alsm-ioprogress
   (let ((commit "063c3725f436e7fba0c8f588547bee21ffec7ac5")
diff --git a/guix/build/go-build-system.scm b/guix/build/go-build-system.scm
index 858068ba98..3dac43c18a 100644
--- a/guix/build/go-build-system.scm
+++ b/guix/build/go-build-system.scm
@@ -135,6 +135,9 @@ (define* (setup-go-environment #:key inputs outputs #:allow-other-keys)
 where executables (\"commands\") are installed to.  This phase is sometimes used
 by packages that use (guix build-system gnu) but have a handful of Go
 dependencies, so it should be self-contained."
+  ;; The Go cache is required starting in Go 1.12.  We don't actually use it but
+  ;; we need it to be a writable directory.
+  (setenv "GOCACHE" "/tmp/go-cache")
   ;; Using the current working directory as GOPATH makes it easier for packagers
   ;; who need to manipulate the unpacked source code.
   (setenv "GOPATH" (getcwd))