What Hops?

AaronBeers · Oct 25, 2015

Hi All

I have just started my second batch (Coopers Canadian Blond) and this is fermenting away quite happily

The last brew i made was a full kit that came with its own hops. I understand that i dont need to add hops to have a reasonable beer but i know i need to learn what hops to add to what as i get more into this hobby!

So my question is - what hops would you add and why?

JonM · Oct 25, 2015

Looks like you've got pre-hopped malt extract there so you wouldn't need to add any bittering (60 minute additions). But if you want to add some flavor/aroma hops, with a lighter ale like that you can't go wrong with an ounce of Czech Saaz with 10 minutes remaining in the boil, which has a really great traditional beer-y flavor. If you want a bit more of a hoppy punch, substitute an ounce of Cascade at 10 minutes.

johnsant · Oct 25, 2015

many sights with hops, will give you what to expect form them and what hops goes good with what type of beer you brew. Check HBT Hops or google hops and check out the sights. I found a few that I like and printed a copy of all Hop listings and what is best with what, however the overall test is YOUR taste buds.

ericbw · Oct 25, 2015

If you think about the style of beer, that will help you understand what hops to use. European - look at European hops, noble hops. British styles, look at British hops. And look at the hop descriptions, and try something that sounds good. Dry hopping is where the hops will seem the most like the descriptions.

mrgrimm101 · Oct 27, 2015

I've always found Hopunion's Hop Aroma Wheel to be particularly useful when trying to choose the right flavor/aroma hop.

https://www.hopunion.com/aroma-wheel/

Are you attempting to dry hop? Or is this for a future batch?

As mentioned above, Saaz is a good traditional hop for most European style beers (mostly pilseners from my understanding) and is more earthy/spicy. However, I would suggest going with Cascade to give it a little more floral/citrusy hoppy aroma.