Beginner hops question

[gallonbrewer]

Background: currently brewing one gallon batches. Not aiming for perfect styles or flavors just trying my hand at something that will turn out enjoyable for myself and friends. I order one ounce of hops which can last anywhere from 2-5 batches depending on the recipe.

Question: How interchangeable are hops? I've read a lot of recipes that came from having miscellaneous hops on hand and they were just tossed together. To be more specific, will substituting hops for an APA work in a English bitter as long as the AAU's come in around the same range? Also if I seal and freeze hops how long will they last?

End goal: if I order an ounce of hops for a specific style that I will only brew once in a while will they last OR will I be able to use those hops in other styles and come out with a good beer.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

They're interchangeable to an extent. Google a hop substitution chart for a good reference. Hops will keep for long time if stored in vacuum bags in the freezer.

 

[ElJefeBrews]

The only way to find out for sure is to try. Ingredients are as interchangeable as you want them to be, but of course not all is gonna work out, but a lot might. Try doing a bunch of SMaSH beers to get an idea of what each ingredient does, then when you get more familiar with styles you can mess around with it

 

[mrgrimm101]

I always look to BeerLegends website for information on a particular hop. That way I know that the substitute hop will have similar characteristics. The website explains the backgrounds and common uses for particular hop strains, and goes into detail about the bittering, flavor, and aromatic properties. It also details the composition of alpha acid, beta acid, and co-humulone. It also looks at oil composition for flavoring and aromatic properties. I find it to be very useful.

http://beerlegends.com/hops-varieties

 

[wardens355]

I think this Hop Union aroma wheel is pretty nifty:

Hop Aroma Wheel

Hops can be used across styles, just try to think if the flavor/aroma of the hops you have will lend to the type of beer you want to make/drink.