hop question

[PaulyWantsABeer]

Hey guys,

Which hop is a good compliment to Cluster?

I need some suggestions because I'm working on a new recipe.

 

[hercher]

Almost anything. Clusters don't have a real pronounced aroma, but has a somewhat spicy quality. Best used as a bittering hop. I've used them with Fuggles and Goldings with good success. I think they could also be paired nicely with Pacifica or Pacific Jade.

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

Thanks for the reply. I am planning a recipe for a new Pale Ale and I want to use Cluster as the main hop. I'm just trying to figure out what else to pair with it.

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

I can't decide. These are the ones I'm interested in using.

Fuggle
Ahtanum
Palisade
Sterling
Tettnang

I'm leading towards Ahtanum because it has a citrus, floral, and pine aroma which I think will go well with the spiciness of the Cluster. What do you all think?

 

[a6ladd]

I think Sterling or Antanum would compliment it nicely. Both would give a nice citrus aroma, with Antanum being slightly more potent. However, Sterling would give a nice spicy characteristic wild a little more mild citrus. Cheers

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

Hmm....perhaps I can use both Ahtanum and Sterling. Add one at 15min and the other at 5min?

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

Anymore ideas guys....

 

[badlee]

Fuggle Fuggle Fuggle Fuggle

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

Look at the following hop schedules and tell me which is best please. I can't decide.

#1
.5 Cluster @ 60 min
.5 Cluster @ 15 min
1 Ahtanum @ 10 min
1 Cluster @ 5 min
1 Sterling @ 5 min

#2
.5 Cluster @ 60 min
.5 Ahtanum @ 20 min
1 Sterling @ 10 min
.5 Ahtanum @ 10 min
1 Cluster @ 0 min

#3
.5 Cluster @ 60 min
.5 Cluster @ 20 min
.5 Ahtanum @ 10 min
1 Sterling @ 10 min

#4
.5 Cluster @ 60 min
.5 Cluster @ 30 min
1 Cluster @ 20 min
1 Ahtanum @ 10 min
1 Sterling @ 5 min

#5
1 Cluster @ 60 min
1 Cluster @ 15 min
1 Ahtanum @ 10 min
1 Sterling @ 5 min

#6
.5 Cluster @ 60 min
.5 Cluster @ 20 min
1 Sterling @ 10 min
1 Ahtanum @ 10 min
1 Sterling @ 5 min
1 Cluster @ 0 min

 

[badlee]

#5

 

[hercher]

+1 on #5. If I could suggest, substitute Ahtanum for the second Cluster addition.

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

+1 on #5. If I could suggest, substitute Ahtanum for the second Cluster addition.

So like this?

1 Cluster @ 60
1 Ahtanum @ 15
1 Ahtanum @ 10
1 Sterling @ 5

 

[Carter5112]

If you sub in the Ahtanum there then you're going to lose the Cluster flavor/aroma I assume you wanted when you started out this thread! Ahtanum is good in APAs though....

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

If you sub in the Ahtanum there then you're going to lose the Cluster flavor/aroma I assume you wanted when you started out this thread! Ahtanum is good in APAs though....

Yes, correct. I want the Cluster flavor/aroma with the Ahtanum and Sterling as secondary. This will be for an APA.

 

[a6ladd]

+1 for #5! Id keep the 20 minute Cluster for a good bittering/aroma profile. Cheers

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

+1 for #5! Id keep the 20 minute Cluster for a good bittering/aroma profile. Cheers

How about this?

1 Cluster @ 60 min
1 Cluster @ 20 min
1 Ahtanum @ 10 min
1 Sterling @ 5 min

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

anyone else have feedback......

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

1 Cluster @ 60 min
1 Cluster @ 20 min
1 Ahtanum @ 10 min
1 Sterling @ 5 min

I plugged the numbers into my Brew program and I'm getting 44.7 IBU which is at the top of the range for an APA.

 

[gwdraper4]

Looks good so far, but I would toss in an ounce of the Cluster and 1/2 oz each of the Ahtanum and Sterling for dry hops. That should help the noise pop and really highlight those tasty hops.

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

Looks good so far, but I would toss in an ounce of the Cluster and 1/2 oz each of the Ahtanum and Sterling for dry hops. That should help the noise pop and really highlight those tasty hops.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll plan on it.

 

[a6ladd]

1 Cluster @ 60 min
1 Cluster @ 20 min
1 Ahtanum @ 10 min
1 Sterling @ 5 min

I plugged the numbers into my Brew program and I'm getting 44.7 IBU which is at the top of the range for an APA.

Sounds tasty, I'd say go for it!