adding hops

[mark simpson 2340]

hi,
Can anyone tell me the best way to add extra hops to a kit. I have made a milestone crusader and whilst it tastes nice i think it could do with being a bit hoppier next time i brew it. I have heard on here somewhere about adding hop pellets or using real hops but am unsure as how to do either.
any help appreciated

TA

[OldSpeckledBadger]

Do a search on "hop tea".

[jubby]

Hop flowers would be easier. When you have made your beer, take one of the empty cans, put in a good handful of hops and pour boiling water over them. Leave the hops to steep in the hot water for about 30 mins and then strain them into your beer (you may have to adjust the temperature before pitching the yeast)

You could also dry hop instead of or as well as steeping. To do this, bung in a small handful of hops in your primary fermenter when fermentation has slowed down and leave for a week before racking. Alternatively, you could transfer your beer into a secondary fermenter when the beer is fully fermented and add your hops there. Rack into bottles or keg after a week or 2. You may want to contain the hops in a hop bag if you do this, weighted with a few marbles.

Which hop varieties you use is down to personal taste. For me, I would use Goldings in a traditional bitter, Styrian Goldings in a pale ale and an American hop in summer ales, maybe Cascade or Amarillo, The choice is yours, but whatever you use, I can recommend Barley Bottom for your hops. Well priced and good quality.

[Bobba]

I found chucking a healthy handful of hops in to the fermenter along with everything else worked out pretty ace. No messing around that way, just chuck it in at the same time as your sugar, 25g or so. Gives a bit of bittering and aroma