over the past years of my marriage I've always heard about the hops plants taking over the grapes and raspberry patch from my inlaws. I never paid much attention until now when my father in law mentioned he had been letting some of the plants grow this year since I had just started brewing this spring. His father planted these at least 50+ years ago. 2 weeks ago my mother in law clipped the base of one by accident when weeding and I now have a large paper bag filled with dried hops. the cones were just opening and turning a light brown on the edges and begining to dry when they were "harvested" and air dried as it has been in the 90's here in Eastern PA. from what i had read they were probably cut at the right time but can anyone let me know their thoughts? also I have no idea what variety. How would I determine how to use these? I was thinking a pale ale or a light ale would give me some idea but I would like some thoughts and suggestions to try to narrow it a bit. Thanks for any help.
Also have a second plant about 50 yards up their property that looks like the hops cones are smaller and are only now beginning to change to being able to harvest them. should I consider this a second variety until I can sort out their properties a bit or should I just throw the two together and experiment?
Also have a second plant about 50 yards up their property that looks like the hops cones are smaller and are only now beginning to change to being able to harvest them. should I consider this a second variety until I can sort out their properties a bit or should I just throw the two together and experiment?