I'd think you're right, bitter is bitter...mostly. Some bittering hops can leave some flavor, I've found, even on a 60 minute boil. But that's mostly only noticeable if your only hopping at 60 and it's a light colored beer, like a pils or something.
Overall yeah, you can find the highest AA hop and use half an ounce of it no matter the style, bittering accomplished!
That, and some hops are harsher than others. If you're making a German beer, for example, the reason to use noble hops and not something like Chinook is because of the cohumulone amounts. What I mean is, those noble hops have a low cohumulone content, so they are considered smoother for bittering. Chinook, for example, is a high cohumulone hop and is perceived as rough or harsh.
Two ounces of tettnang hops will never equal .75 ounce of chinook, even if the IBUs are the same! The cohumulone difference really comes through in cases like this.
That, and some hops are harsher than others. If you're making a German beer, for example, the reason to use noble hops and not something like Chinook is because of the cohumulone amounts. What I mean is, those noble hops have a low cohumulone content, so they are considered smoother for bittering. Chinook, for example, is a high cohumulone hop and is perceived as rough or harsh.
Two ounces of tettnang hops will never equal .75 ounce of chinook, even if the IBUs are the same! The cohumulone difference really comes through in cases like this.
I don't mean to get off subject here but i got a screaming deal on a pound of First Gold 8% Hops. ( they were liek $5 bucks additional to my bulk grain order). I would like to use them as bittering hops for several beers. What styles do you think they will work as bittering hops for?
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