Non-Traditional Hops in German Lager

[schematix]

Last year I bought many, many lbs of hops in anticipation of a powerhouse year of home brewing. It turned out not to be (long story), so I have a bunch of leftovers. I decided I was going to brew a Helles (also had tons of Best Pils leftover) and I have everything else, but I just went to check on the hops and I did end up using almost all of my Hallertau Mittelfruh. So now I'm in a scramble.

My inventory is 1oz of Hall. Mitt, and a ton of Saaz, Cascade and Belma.

I am going to be using very soft water (distilled + salts), 18lbs of Best Pils, 3lbs of Vienna and a Step mash (131F, 140F, 150F, 169F).

Does anyone have experience using some non-traditional hops in a German style lager? Did it turn out or should I just go buy some Halltertau?

 

[shelly_belly]

I brewed a pilsner and used german lager yeast and all Saaz hops and it is very good.

 

[pjj2ba]

You could always bitter with Cascade or Belma, and use the Saaz for flavor and aroma. I'd be tempted to use a light hand and go with a blend of Saaz and Cascade for flavor and aroma. No more then 1/2 oz total for flavor, and 1/4 oz total for aroma.

 

[schematix]

I was thinking about doing 2oz of Cascade at 60min, then another 2oz at 20min. Should give around 30 IBU.

Maybe dry hop with 1/4-1/2oz of Saaz.

 

[MrVix]

If you do a 20 minute addition of Cascade it will overwhelm the Saaz completely. I would use the Cascade for bittering only and even then you may get a hint of citrus(grapefruit). I would use the Saaz exclusively for your late additions. But remember there are NO rules. Experiment and enjoy...thats my advice!

 

[schematix]

I brewed this yesterday. I only used 3.25oz of Cascade at 60. The wort turned out beautiful crystal clear about 4 SRM. I sampled the hydrometer sample and it was BITTER. There was noticable citrus flavor. Hopefully with a couple months in cold storage it mellows.

Pitched a ton of yeast to it at 47F and it was rocking hard in less than 15 hours. Holding 50F +/-1.

Overall I expect this to be a nice beer. Will update in a few months