Experimenting with extract recipe

[kylefree]

I have an english brown ale kit I got from northern brewer and I want to add some cascade, citra and Columbia hops while boiling but I'm not sure if I should compromise the recipe.

Also this is my first time brewing on my own, I have brewed a few times with some experienced friends but this will be first time with my new kit

 

[menerdari]

That is completely up to you.
I wouldn't because it would take away what adds the character of a brown ale to begin with, the malty sweet character would, IMO, be lessened with more hops.

 

[kylefree]

Yeah I gotcha - I guess what I am going for with those hops is a more American brown ale, the kit came with willmette, liberty and golding hops, but the citrusy ways of the citra, cascade and Columbus might bring it back into the realm of an American brown.

Say I were to do it, would anyone recommend any certain times to add each, one that might add better bittering, flavor or aroma? Or dry-hop with one during second fermentation?

 

[basilchef]

Yeah I gotcha - I guess what I am going for with those hops is a more American brown ale, the kit came with willmette, liberty and golding hops, but the citrusy ways of the citra, cascade and Columbus might bring it back into the realm of an American brown.

Say I were to do it, would anyone recommend any certain times to add each, one that might add better bittering, flavor or aroma? Or dry-hop with one during second fermentation?

All in the last 20 mins. And yes save an oz or two for dry hopping.

 

[unionrdr]

Maybe replace the kits bittering addition with the columbus? It's higher AA% lends it well to bittering or flavor aroma additions. Nice general purpose hop.