Have you ever met a hop you didn't like?

[Bob]

I have to agree with those who don't really like the "C"s. I got sick to death of drinking grapefruit juice years ago.

It's not that Cascades and the like aren't good hops. On the contrary, without Cascades, there wouldn't be any Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and I would never have found Better Beer at all.

But I have to agree with a previous poster, who opined that it seems that every craft-brewed APA smells and tastes exactly the same - a clone of SNPA.

The high-alpha hops are referred to as "bittering hops" for a reason. I never could understand why someone would want to dry-hop with, say, Magnum. The high alpha levels were engineered into the hops for more efficient bittering - i.e., more margin for the brewery. If they have an acceptable flavor and aroma, it's a side effect.

P.S. There is one "C" I still love - Crystal. Yummy!

I use Willamette in damn near everything, 'cos I've always liked it. Besides, I've the better part of five pounds of pellets.

 

[max4677]

I think its cascade. I think that is the one that whenever I use it, I detect a sort of soapy after taste...

 

[max4677]

Still new to brewing but I have liked all the hops I have tried.
My all Chinook IPA was one of my favorites.
Craig

I just kegged NB's Chinook IPA. Sounds like I might have something good to look forward to?

 

[CBBaron]

I just kegged NB's Chinook IPA. Sounds like I might have something good to look forward to?

Sounds good but as was mentioned Chinook can be a little harsh. It is definitely one that gets better with time.
I like Chinook and will definitely be using it again but I think some other hops are better for most (but not all) of your late hop additions.
Craig

 

[Cheesefood]

Simcoe is my favorite hop, by far. Amarillo is my second. The two of them together, HEAVEN.

+1
Amarillo and Simcoe are the new peanut butter and jelly. The new girl-on-girl. The new steak and eggs.

 

[cheezydemon]

One I never hear used is Bullion, I tried it in my habanero ale, and it is absolutely delicious. I only bitter hopped it on brewpastor's advice. The peppers impart a lot of flavor, so it is a difficult brew to judge by, but I would have to say that I recommend it. I also bittered a pumpkin seed ale with it, 1 oz cascade last 10 min and it is delicious. So I would say that those 2 go together well.

 

[max4677]

Now here's a quick question. With many of the common varieties being in short supply, what are some good equivalents to use that aren't as hard hit?

If this has already been discussed please post the thread link, and I'll just mosey over there.

 

[DeathBrewer]

just google "hops comparison chart"

 

[shunoshi]

I haven't really been immersed in all the different hops out there yet, but have tried quite a few. I haven't come across any as of yet that I don't like. If they're used in the right style of beer at the right time, I think any hop is good.

I am a "C" hop fan though. Centennial is my current favorite; I thank Bell's Brewery for that.

 

[david_42]

A good start for substitutions: http://byo.com/referenceguide/hops/index.html

Hop I don't like? Lots of people have mentioned the citrus hops. I've had a Japanese beer that tasted like sour lemonade and was told the main flavor came from a single hop. Can't remember the name though. Fortunately, it isn't grown in the USA.