Citra tips?

[Ski12568]

I have 4 oz of Citra I would like to use in a simple pale ale to get to know the hop better. One thing that frightens me is the cat piss thing people refer to sometimes when talking about Citra. Any tips to help avoid that? Thank you

 

[Pkrd]

I think you either like it or you don't.

 

[FatDragon]

I thought simcoe was supposed to be cat piss, not citra. I've heard citra's not always well-appreciated as a bittering hop - maybe that's the cat piss thing - so maybe use something clean for bittering and just use the citra for late additions/whirlpool/dry hopping.

 

[JonM]

Some people don't like cilantro. Some people don't like Citra. Only way to find out is to give it a try. Can you get Deschutes Fresh Squeezed where you are? That'll let you know what to expect.

If you're really worried, maybe try it in a 2.5 gallon extract batch, so you're not taking up tons of time. You could also get a really neutral-flavored pale lager with a crown cap, and throw a couple pellets in for a couple days, and taste it.

 

[ziggy13]

I don't get any cat piss with Citra, but that's just me. I also agree that I prefer Citra for flavor and aroma as opposed to bittering. I would say it needs another hop mixed in there to add some depth to the bitterness, but again that's just my preference. Unless of course you're trying to do a single hop brew.

 

[Psylocide]

I did the ZD clone with 9 oz of Citra (single hop) and got no cat pee.

 

[mrphillips]

I'm afraid to use it as a bittering hop (even with all the positive experiences I've heard). I've really only ever used it at 10 min. and a huge dose at 5/0 min. When used in this way, I really enjoy it.

I had an American Ale tie for 2nd with this setup. In that beer, I bittered with Cascade.

 

[thaymond]

With psylocide: full 9oz.in ZD clone, and only got the wonderful Citra cornucopia of goodness. No cat pee.

 

[PlexVector]

Used 2 oz of citra for dry hoping and I got a hint of cat pee when I tasted it at racking, but after a week on CO2 it was gone.

 

[Indian_villager]

Toss it in with centennial. I like centennial and citra.

 

[mrdauber64]

Try it in a Belgian IPA. It's fantastic! I have a good recipe in my recipe section. It is easily my favorite IPA/PA hop! I don't get cat pee at all, but my wife does. It's all in how you perceive the flavor and aroma. I personally LOVE it!

 

[boganll]

make a single hop APA with it and get a real idea of what citra is contributing to your beers

 

[Ski12568]

Thanks for the advise, everyone! I'll make and all Citra APA and I'll try and get a bottle of fresh squeezed.

 

[Sailingeric]

I did a citra ale, it was very good with strong aroma that mellow out as it aged, I liked it aged/tone down better.

 

[Schreiner]

I'd use the whole cone, not just the tips.

Sorry, couldn't help myself.