What type of Hops should I grow?

**Minjin** · 02-02-2012, 06:20 PM

I live in Ohio and am getting into this scene. I like to grow things so why not grow my own hops. I am currently in the final phase of building my vessels to brew my first beer. So knowledge of the types of hops for different beers is a little overwhelming. I like porters, Stouts, Brown Ale's, and Hefeweizen. So thats what I will be brewing for starters. So what do you all recommend?

**Dog House Brew** · 02-02-2012, 08:32 PM

I grew what I liked and what I use most of. I really like Nugget, Chinook and Magnum for bittering. I also like Cascade and Centennial for my IPA brews. Pick what you like and get them in the ground this spring.

**sweetcell** · 02-02-2012, 09:12 PM

this could be helpful: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f92/hops-comparison-table-297038/

i need to post an update, lots of edits made (and more to be made), but where to find the time...

wailingguitar · 02-02-2012, 09:13 PM

Your picks seem to lean largely in the direction of traditional British styles, so I would go for a British hop; Golding, Fuggle, Challenger or an American derivative such as Willamete.

**Minjin** · 02-02-2012, 11:02 PM

Great resource on Hops! Can you point me to any informative links that gives what hops are used in different beer types?

**Dog House Brew** · 02-03-2012, 03:15 AM

A good source on hops is the BYO Hop magazine. It has everything on all different hops and beer styles they are used in.

**Minjin** · 02-03-2012, 01:11 PM

Thanks! Thats exactly what i was looking for.

http://byo.com/resources/hops

**Retrofit** · 02-04-2012, 12:01 AM

I've modified my answer over the years.

At first my answer was simple- grow what you use.
Now my answer is- pick what you use- learn about it- modify your decision based on region.

Caveman Example: Pride of Ringwood- native to Australia- needs a long season. If you live in Alaska- don't grow it.

**psymonkey** · 02-04-2012, 02:46 PM

I went through the log of everything I've brewed and chose the three hops, or equivalents that are most frequently used in my favorite beers that I know I'll brew regularly as "house beers". I think it's kind of tough to know what to grow unless you know what you'll brew, even then I don't know if I chose wisely or not

I hope to have a freezer jam-packed with hops come August.

**sweetcell** · 02-04-2012, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retrofit

Now my answer is- pick what you use- learn about it- modify your decision based on region.

sounds wise to me. i might like hallertau, but if it's not going to grow well in my backyard then why bother planting it at all. i'll be better off picking another variety that has similar flavor & aroma and that can deal with my climate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by psymonkey

I think it's kind of tough to know what to grow unless you know what you'll brew

i'm of a mixed opinion on that. certainly makes sense to grow what you'll use, but personally i'm willing to be flexible in what i use. i like improvising so i'm not against using a non-traditional hop in a recipe. for most flavor/aroma/bitterness profiles, there are several varieties that can fit the bill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by psymonkey

I hope to have a freezer jam-packed with hops come August.

is this your first year growing? you might not have too big a harvest the first year. typically, the plants spend year 1 setting down roots. year 2 tends to be much better, and by year 3 they've hit their stride.

p.s. psymonkey, as in psytrance?