dbrewski
Well-Known Member
So I bought quite a bit of leaf hops from hopsdirect.com this year, 2011 crop. Most of them had relatively high alpha %, like cascade 8.1%, willamette 7.8%, not crazy but higher than you normally might see on these types. Problem is, I know you need slightly more leaf hops to equal the bitterness you get out of pellets, but these were rated higher alpha than normal so I thought it would all balance out. I've done a number of batches in a short time, but now I am seeing I've slightly underhopped them.
Most recently I had a lighter ale come on tap and realize I've totally underhopped it (using leaf US Tettnang @ 5.9%). I've drank plenty of "mistakes" without complaining, but I am really disappointed in this one. Any ideas? Dry hopping is all I can think of. Anyone else coming to the conclusion that these alpha ratings are not 100% accurate? Nothing bad against hopsdirect at all, just frustrated.
Most recently I had a lighter ale come on tap and realize I've totally underhopped it (using leaf US Tettnang @ 5.9%). I've drank plenty of "mistakes" without complaining, but I am really disappointed in this one. Any ideas? Dry hopping is all I can think of. Anyone else coming to the conclusion that these alpha ratings are not 100% accurate? Nothing bad against hopsdirect at all, just frustrated.