Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

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aamcle
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Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by aamcle » Fri Sep 18, 2015 12:07 pm

I'm thrashing about again trying to use up my part bags of hops and its Err... Irritating very irritating.

I'm wondering about the possibility of keeping just three or maybe four types of hops but I still want to brew a range of beers.
British, bitters, pales, etc and possibly some lager types, US pales lagers maybe.

What hops do you find to be the most flexible?

This could mean lots of points with TGLW if I can stop messing up the freezer, so I'd really appreciate your help :)

Atb. Aamcle

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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by Clibit » Fri Sep 18, 2015 3:22 pm

I have the same problem! I'm trying to get down from about 30 to about 10!

I don't make lagers but I guess Saaz, Hallertau, Tettnang are the standard hops. However, a smart move may be to use the NZ hops that were bred from German noble hops, like Motueka, Wakatu and Pacifica, as these are good in American style pale ales and I believe they make good lagers too. I like Motueka a lot.

For English bitters I like First Gold, Challenger, EKG, but all are reasonably similar. Challenger could be a good option as it is excellent for bittering as well as aroma. (Mind you, I've just had a glass of Marble Wood Street Bitter at the Marble Beerhouse in Chorlton and at just 3.6% ABV it was really excellent - and is 100% Admiral apparently, so that would be a good alternative).

You could also consider Progress - bred to replace Fuggles, I actually prefer it, and it has a mid-range AA%. It blends really well with Challenger and EKG. And First Gold, no doubt.

As far as American hops go, and I would struggle to pick just one - I think Centennial is a really good hop that is really versatile across different styles of ale. Cascade likewise. Simcoe is another good option. It is more piney than Centennial, which is fruity. They both make great single hop ales, and blend well with other hops too. Cluster is another good option, according to Seymour, and my limited use of it backs that up. And I like Columbus, it does everything - if you like fruity and dank.

So my suggestions would come from:

Challenger or Admiral - both good bittering and aroma
Progress - good dual purpose and complement other English hops well
First Gold or EKG - two great english aroma hops
Motueka - really versatile for ales and lagers
Saaz - classic lager hop
Centennial or Cascade - both very versatile and classic American flavour
Simcoe - really versatile, great flavour, excellent bittering hop
Cluster or Columbus - two distinctive multi-purpose hops

I've got you down to 8, I think. :-)

aamcle
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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by aamcle » Fri Sep 18, 2015 3:43 pm

There are just too many good hops

Aamcle

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themadhippy
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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by themadhippy » Fri Sep 18, 2015 3:51 pm

simple soloution,buy another freezer
Warning: The Dutch Coffeeshops products may contain drugs. Drinks containing caffeine should be used with care and moderation

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Aleman
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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by Aleman » Fri Sep 18, 2015 4:16 pm

Brew and drink more!! Keep less in teh freezer!!

I recently had a clear out of the hop freezer, if the aroma was poor or cheezy then out they went . . . All 15Kg!!!

Replaced them with very few new hops . . . Just 700g worth - downsizing is great from a stock POV :D

Goldings, Challenger, Bramling X (Trad British beers)
Styrian Goldings, Saaz, Hallertau Mittelfruh (Trad Continental Beers)
Motueka - Coz they are so damn nice

Will need to get Nelson Sauvin pellets from somewhere

aamcle
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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by aamcle » Fri Sep 18, 2015 4:35 pm

It's coming down that's just seven! :)

Aamcle

Clibit
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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by Clibit » Fri Sep 18, 2015 5:11 pm

No he's getting Nelson Sauvin - back to 8! ;-)

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Aleman
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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by Aleman » Fri Sep 18, 2015 6:48 pm

It helps that I really don't like C hops . . . Although I'm thinking of some centennial for a CAP . . . That's nine :evil:

aamcle
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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by aamcle » Fri Sep 18, 2015 9:18 pm

Looks like I'm not getting any Browne Points, I'll have to live with all sorts of part used packets.

aamcle

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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by WalesAles » Sat Sep 19, 2015 10:45 am

themadhippy wrote:simple soloution,buy another freezer
Or get a different Other Half! :D

WA






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Re: Flexible hops? Save my Freezer

Post by pantsmachine » Tue Sep 22, 2015 10:37 pm

aamcle wrote:Looks like I'm not getting any Browne Points, I'll have to live with all sorts of part used packets.

aamcle
Just brew a massive 'bitsa' IPA......then buy a second freezer....and fill it. :)

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