Low AA% hops question.

[Shawn3997]

My latest batch of hops is Tettnanger 2.1%. This is about half of what I'm used to using. If I use 2x as many hops in my next beer to get the same IBU, will I get 2x the hops flavor/smell or will I not notice any difference?

 

[brewshki]

You may het some additional flavor/aroma as AAs are lower and you will need to use more hops. I am not sure if oils (which are largely responsible for flavor/aroma) vary directly with AAs, but I do not think they do. Many recipes I have seen and the recipes I write based bittering charges off of AAs and late additions off of weight. what kind of beer are you making/what kind of additions will there be?

 

[Shawn3997]

It's a SMASH lager with Pale Ale base malt and 1/2 lb. Munich just for fun. I was using Hallertau Mittelfruh at 4% 60/30/15 but now I've got Hersbrucker at 2.1% 60/30/15. Beersmith says just add twice as much to get twice as many IBU, but because hops aren't only just AA% I wondered if I'd notice a difference.

 

[brewshki]

you might, but you are also using a different hop, so it will be different anyway

 

[dmtaylor]

My latest batch of hops is Tettnanger 2.1%. This is about half of what I'm used to using. If I use 2x as many hops in my next beer to get the same IBU, will I get 2x the hops flavor/smell or will I not notice any difference?

I doubt you will notice a difference. Do as you've planned and it will work well.

 

[ncbrewer]

I doubt you will notice a difference. Do as you've planned and it will work well.

I agree - assuming you're talking only boiling hops (1 hour boil, or at least over 30 minutes), this wouldn't give you hop flavor and aroma anyway. Hops do contribute different character to the bitterness, but I don't think that's what you are asking about.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Simple math: Divide the AAU% of hops the recipe calls for by the AAU% you have on hand.

Examples:

4.5 / 2.8 = 1.60 oz
3.4 / 4.4 = .77 oz
10.4 / 8.4 = 1.238 (1.25) oz
8.4 / 10.4 = .80 oz