Understanding Hops

[Chris The Fish]

I went to the LHBS today to get some hops to dry hop with.

Whilst talking to the ever enthusiastic and helpful guy behind the counter he gave me an interesting and welcome sample of maryinka hops, Polish i believe.

He was also saying that hops added to the begining of a brew control bitterness, whilst those added later will govern aroma and taste.

Does this mean its best to pay attention to bitterness ratings (alpha?) for your bitterness requirements, whilst using taste as a guide to the particular hop flavour your after?

im a bit of a beginner when it comes to hops, is this right?

Cheers

Chris

[Chiltern Brewer]

Pretty much, but then there is nothing stopping you using a "high aroma" hop like Golding for bittering or a "high bittering" hop like Target for dry hopping/late copper duties (perhaps not in the same brew). It goes against the grain but can be done, and has been by commercial breweries.

Also each hop variety gives its own distinctive flavour. Some you will like, some you won't.

I'd keep things simple as first, and then start experimenting.

[steve_flack]

You could even use a really large addition later in the boil of an aroma hop which would give more flavour but obviously less bittering than it would at the beginning. Would be expensive and also mean a lot of hops retaining precious wort at the end of the boil.

Generally, in British beers I tend to use Challenger/Northdown (not Target - hate it) as a bittering hop. I've got some NZ Green Bullet I'm planning on trying. I'd quite fancy getting some Magnum which are a clean American High alpha hop derived from Hallertau.

[Chris The Fish]

Thanks for the responses, im trying to keep things simple for the moment by dry hopping kits, however i am planning on doing a few extract brews next so im trying to find out all i can regarding hops and flavourings for when i go to AG via Extract/kits.

Has anyone tried these maryinka hops?

i plan to use a slack handful in a muslin bag placed into my keg and left there.

[steve_flack]

See http://www.wellhopped.co.uk/News.htm

[james_m_r]

I went to the LHBS today

Where is the LHBS Chris? I didn't know there were any around here.

[Chris The Fish]

unfortunately its a bit far from loughborough, its bells brewery shop in Ullesthorpe.

The bloke there runs the micro brewery and is always very willing to help out and give advice. He sells grains/hops in bulk to AG brewers direct from his own supply and has a small range of kits for beers/wines/lagers etc. he also stocks lots of sundries which tend to run out quite quickly so its best to either ring first if there is something you want specifically or he will order it in for you.

like i say, its a bit far from loughborough however if your stuggling for certain kit and you know he has it, it may provide a useful service.

he also has the best range of bottled beers ive seen anywhere in leicestershire.

this link is a bit basic but ...

http://www.bellsbrewery.co.uk/home.htm

[james_m_r]

Cheers Chris. I will pop in when I am next over that way and check it out.

[J_P]

If you get chance try some of the Saltaire Brewery's single hop variety beers.

http://www.saltairebrewery.co.uk/html/our_beers.html

I got some down me this weekend and you can actually taste the different aromas imparted by the different hops, it's great for a brewing newbie such as myself.

Personally I'm a sucker for the "flowers in the back of your nose" taste you get from goldings.

[Andy]

If you get chance try some of the Saltaire Brewery's single hop variety beers.

http://www.saltairebrewery.co.uk/html/our_beers.html

I got some down me this weekend and you can actually taste the different aromas imparted by the different hops, it's great for a brewing newbie such as myself.

Personally I'm a sucker for the "flowers in the back of your nose" taste you get from goldings.

Saw some of these in the Hogs Back Brewery shop, will have to get a few in.

[J_P]

Do it, they were top notch brews and you could really taste the differences (Even after I'd spent the afternoon at a beer festival!)