Columbus hops orange bomb.

[danmouer]

I recently brewed a saison which I wanted to give an American accent. I used some older Styrian Goldings for my bittering hop, but I used a fairly big dose of Columbus/Tomahawk as the finishing hop.

The brew is quite tasty except that it has a huge orangey aroma and flavor at first. Admittedly, the orange is fading a bit as the brew matures, but it's still there. The beer is just where I wanted it otherwise, but instead of a little American "accent," I've created a massive citrus bomb. Who knew Columbus, used as a flavor/aroma hop, resembles Minute Maid? Sheesh.

 

[BargainFittings]

It will fade away over time. Most of the "C" hops have some citrus component. Depending on the year they can be very dominant in aroma and flavor.

 

[scottland]

Styrian Goldings have a pretty big orange aroma too them. Columbus I get more of a dank, resiny kind of aroma (like pot), but there is some citrus in there as well.

My guess is that some of the esters from the saison yeast mixed with the hop aromas, and created something that smells just like oranges.

Ester and hop aromas can make some very interesting aromas together.

 

[danmouer]

Thanks, folks. It is fading some. And it's not offensive, quite enhanting, actually. Just wierd in the level of intensity. In fact, think I'll go chill one dwn a smidge...

Dan