Gettin some free hops, but....

[TrubDog]

Some friends just bought a house (bank foreclosure) and there are hops growing all over the back yard. They said I can have all the hops if I throw them a growler out of each batch I brew. There's probably a couple of pounds in all.

Here's the challenge - they don't have a clue what kind of hops they are. Any ideas on how to identify what they might be? I can get some pics when the buds mature a little more.

 

[alecoholic]

There is no way to be sure just by looking at them. Brew a pale ale with them exclusively, that way you can get an idea on the bitterness as well as the flavor. Also hops are so cheap that a growler per batch is pretty generous, are they going to pick them and dry them for you as well?

 

[TrubDog]

They don't know anything about them. I told them I'd do all the picking and drying.

 

[Pezedorado]

Try some pic id with the Yakima Chief handbook: http://www.yakimachief.com/hopvarieties/ycivarieties.pdf
Its not even close to foolproof, but if you really look hard, you might be able to take a guess.

 

[skeezerpleezer]

Do they have contact info for the previous tenant?

Edit:
Never mind, the bank probably has no interest in contacting them to see what kind of hops they are.

 

[beergolf]

Just a WAG (wild a** guess) or maybe a SWAG (scientific wild a** guess). but if it looks like they were planted and cultivated, then they probably are something common like Cascade, Willamette , etc. The reason I sy that is because those rhizomes are easy to get.

If they are wild, then all bets are off and who knows what they are.

Do a simple SMASH with some to see what they taste like.

 

[TrubDog]

Pezedorado

The property is in Ellensburg, about 35 minutes from Yakima. That guide may be just what I need!

I'll check it out.

 

[SouthBay]

most of the hops that are grown in that area as pergola cover, etc, tend to be Cascade. People here tend to like it because it grows like a weed in the climate. I'd start there with a smash brew, and see what comes of it. fwiw, Leavenworth has a BOATLOAD of hops that grow wild on the bridges there. All cascade, from what i can tell.

my $0.02

 

[basilchef]

Im in the same boat as you. Can you post a picture?