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rexbanner · 08-23-2012, 01:47 PM

I have a nice bitter I usually brew, but I'd like to make it a bit hoppier. I want to keep it at 30 IBUs, but with some nice hop flavor through a bit of dry hopping. The hop schedule I used this time was: 1 oz challenger @ 60 mins, 1 oz EKG at 5 mins. I was planning to try some WGV dry hops this time. Any other suggestions?

I find EKG to be a little bit boring and not very noticeable. I've used it in small, medium, and huge amounts (English IPA with American level of hops, all EKG) and was not very impressed. I'm pretty unfamiliar with the rest of the English hops, any tips?

***Yooper*** · 08-23-2012, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rexbanner

I have a nice bitter I usually brew, but I'd like to make it a bit hoppier. I want to keep it at 30 IBUs, but with some nice hop flavor through a bit of dry hopping. The hop schedule I used this time was: 1 oz challenger @ 60 mins, 1 oz EKG at 5 mins. I was planning to try some WGV dry hops this time. Any other suggestions?

I find EKG to be a little bit boring and not very noticeable. I've used it in small, medium, and huge amounts (English IPA with American level of hops, all EKG) and was not very impressed. I'm pretty unfamiliar with the rest of the English hops, any tips?

WGV? I'm drawing a blank.

Do you like fuggles? I personally do not (taste like dirt to me!) but many people love them for late additions and dryhopping, especially in British style beers.

jfr1111 · 08-23-2012, 02:12 PM

Fuggles, as mentionned, is amazing for bitters.

First Gold is good in late additions: it's fruity and a bit spicy (orange, marmelade). Styrian Goldings is also used in a lot of bitters and it is citrusy. Bramling Cross is so-so in my opinion. Some like it, but it's a bit astringent. Willamette, while not authentic, is also very nice: woody, earthy and fruity.

You could also try out dual-hops like Phoenix. Dry hopping is traditional as far as bitters go, but they are usually dry-hopped at a lower rate than American pale ales.

Captain Damage · 08-23-2012, 04:23 PM

I usually brew my bitters with East Kent Goldings with great results. I used WGV for one batch last year and was disappointed. Just didn't have as "bright" a flavor/aroma as the EKG. I always dry hop them.

thepartsmancometh · 08-23-2012, 11:01 PM

Dry hopping helps, and I also recommend first wort hopping and hop bursting. I made an oat pale ale that was fwh and hopbursted and the hop flavor and aroma was awesome. It was about 45 ibus, but had a very strong aroma ans flavor. Here's the (pm) recipe
http://hopville.com/recipe/1477244

rexbanner · 08-24-2012, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yooper

WGV? I'm drawing a blank.

Do you like fuggles? I personally do not (taste like dirt to me!) but many people love them for late additions and dryhopping, especially in British style beers.

WGV is Whitbread Goldings, no real relation to EKG I'm told. Never tried fuggles but can't say I'm tempted to now. I definitely think EKG are earthy, too. Not in a bad way. I just want something brighter.

rexbanner · 08-24-2012, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfr1111

Fuggles, as mentionned, is amazing for bitters.

First Gold is good in late additions: it's fruity and a bit spicy (orange, marmelade). Styrian Goldings is also used in a lot of bitters and it is citrusy. Bramling Cross is so-so in my opinion. Some like it, but it's a bit astringent. Willamette, while not authentic, is also very nice: woody, earthy and fruity.

You could also try out dual-hops like Phoenix. Dry hopping is traditional as far as bitters go, but they are usually dry-hopped at a lower rate than American pale ales.

Reading lots of good things about first gold. I'll try Wilamette next time. Thanks for the good tips.

jfr1111 · 08-24-2012, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rexbanner

Reading lots of good things about first gold. I'll try Wilamette next time. Thanks for the good tips.

First Gold is really a nice little hop. Not as much pedigree as Fuggles or EKG, but it's usually cheaper and higher AA%. I haven't used it in darker beer styles though, so I can't comment on its performance in say a stout or a brown ale. It can also be used on its own or with other hops, both in a bittering and taste/aroma role. I'd use it later though. Bitter with Willamette and add a touch of First Gold at the end and you'll have a very nice bitter.

American Goldings, altough less fragrant and earthy than EKG, can also be subbed. I have mixed feelings about American Fuggles though. I found it lacking in fragrance/taste the few times I bought it.

**mtyquinn** · 08-24-2012, 05:46 PM

I just dry hopped a keg with 1oz EKG that was already dry hopped with a half oz EKG. I'm still not getting a good aroma. I think I better review my dry hopping techinque. (hop sack, at 60degrees for a week) or just double my dry hopping.

jfr1111 · 08-24-2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtyquinn

I just dry hopped a keg with 1oz EKG that was already dry hopped with a half oz EKG. I'm still not getting a good aroma. I think I better review my dry hopping techinque. (hop sack, at 60degrees for a week) or just double my dry hopping.

If you are used to dry-hopping with big fruity/piney American hops, EKG can seem very tame in comparison. Also, they might be less fresh than native Cascade or Centennial. They have crossed the pond to get over here after all.