Need advice on hop usage for my winter ale.

[brandoncox]

I'm brewing a winter ale here soon with cardamom, maple syrup, spruce extract, and pine needles from my front yard. I want a piney and earthy character to this brew obviously, but what hops should I use to compliment the beer? I was thinking simcoe and chinook since they both have a pine essence but they are high alpha and I want minimal bitterness.

This will be approximately 4 gallons.

 

[gtlaw10]

first of all - brutal that no one ever responded to this thread...what's up HBT?!
secondly - i'm sure you've already gone ahead and made this batch, but i would have suggested northern brewer (based on BCS chart) or fuggles (based on my own experience). what did you end up using anyways?

 

[Rebekah]

I would also love to hear how this turned out. Saw a recipe for beer using Spruce needles but way too chicken to try it out...need some more batches under my belt...maybe for next Christmas. Hey and if you liked how it turned out, do you mind posting the recipe? Thanks.