Dewberry Blonde Ale Hops

Beer Recipes
1

Hello,

A friend hooked me up with several pounds of fresh dewberries, a type of blackberry, and I was kicking around the idea of making a blonde ale with them.

I was looking for suggestions on hops for bittering and finishing. I was thinking Hallatter for bittering and Saaz for finishing.

Any suggestions or experience using dewberries/blackberries?

2

I’m not sure any finishing hops at all would be appropriate.  Why not leave them out and let the fruit speak?

3

So are you saying just use the Hallatter? Or no hops at all?

4

Just the Hallertauer.

5

I’m with Denny.
Keep the fruit front and center.  Any noble hop or noble progeny (Mt Hood, etc) would be fine.

6

Update on the dewberry blonde:

I went with Denny’s advice and only used the Hallatter. I moved from the primary to the secondary yesterday and thus far it is tasting great. I added the fruit to the secondary and I am planning on giving it a week then tasting it. Really excited for this beer and the contest I am submitting it to.

Thanks again for all the advice.

7

The yeast will kick in again and you may get quite a vigorous second fermentation, but sometimes it can be slow, depending on how much of your yeast has already flocked out.  Both are normal.  I’d give it more time than just a week.  Let it ferment out.  Your patience will be rewarded.

8

Thanks for the tip. Thus far I have not noticed any yeast activity. But I will let it keep for a while. I am a little pressed for time since this is for a contest. But I think I can give a extra week or two.