Hops question

Ryan,

As far as unique varieties of hops, I couldn't tell ya. One thing that I've enjoyed experimenting with right from the beginning, though, has been spices and fruits...just the right amount of cinnamon or somesuch can add an interesting dimension to a beer's flavor. I'm planning a pumpkin ale this fall and a spruce and spice holiday ale this year, and I've tasted a couple of very good hot pepper brews. Still haven't had the courage to go for garlic beer yet, but I hear it is quite do-able. I've also used a couple of herbs--for example I once read somewhere that mugwort got its name because it was a flavoring ingredient used in beer. I don't know how true that is, but I've used it several times, and though I can't say whether it added anything significant, I do know that every time I've used it I've very much enjoyed the beers I've produced. That could be chalked up to the other ingredients, though, and I don't have my log book handy at the moment. I know of at least one book on medicinal/herb brewing. Just one final note--read up on herbs before you use them. I later found out--not the hard way, thankfully--that mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris) has been traditionally used, among other things, to promote fertility in women! Be careful!

Jason

Bocks are hopped to such a low level that the type of hops doesn't really matter much. You can use any noble variety at just enough to keep the beer from being cloyingly sweet.

---------->Denny

You can use any noble variety at just enough to

OK, Time for my 'stupid question of the week.' What is meant by a 'noble variety' when referring to hops?

I'm not taking this from the official beer lover's dictionary or anything, but my general understanding is that noble hops are the original varieties of European hops used in beer for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Noble varieties include Hallertauer, Saaz, Tettnanger, Fuggle... and I'm sure there's two or three more that I am forgetting. They each have unique flavors and aromas. Hallertauer is more floral, Saaz is spicy, and Fuggle is described as earthy. Something like that anyway.

One very popular variety of hops used in the United States, Cascade, is NOT considered a noble hop, but in my opinion it is also unique, and is more citrusy/fruity. Perhaps in a few hundred years, it too will be considered a noble hop?

The point is, there are nearly 100 different varieties of hops, each with their own unique characteristics, but they are pretty much all derived from the original noble hops. Some people think noble hops are the best and that the best beers should only use noble hops. Other people know they can make quality beers without using noble hops. It's all a matter of preference.

Close, but no cigar! Fuggles isn't a noble. Add in Spalt and you've got the 4 noble hops.

----------->Denny

Oops! Well I should get points for trying anyway. :)

Shouldn't Goldings be on the list, too? Or maybe we'll need to wait a few hundred years for that, too. :)

Thanks guys. Ill add that to my brewing notebook

Dan Rock