Domestic Hop Help (Hallertauer Cultivars)

Ingredients
1

I have grown fond of the taste of Crystal hops in my kolsch, however I can’t get them pellatized from hopsdirect right now (and I need to buy them by the pound - this is for 40 gallon batches). I am trying to stay with US hops now and avoid using German hops for my kolsch - even though I like Mittlefrue and Hersbrucker very much, I enjoy using domestic hops in my beer almost exclusively now. I have used Vangaurd and Mt Hood a little - but the thing is I have only used them a little and I have kept them in the background. With my kolsch, lately, I have been making it with more hop character now.

So my question is, out of the domestic Hallertauer type cultivar found here: http://www.hopsdirect.com/hops/pellethops.html - what do you consider you favorite aroma/flavor hop?

2

I would ask if they would send you samples to test drive. That way you can compare all of them first hand.

3

I’m going to guess that ain’t happening … this isn’t Cosco.  :wink:

4

You could try cascade or US fuggles or Willamette.

5

For beers calling for a “noble” hop like your Kolsch, I’ve always used Mt. Hood as the domestic equivalent.  According to Hopunion, it’s an “Aroma variety with marked similarities to the German Hallertauer and Hersbrucker varieties.  Most popular hop in the triploid Hallertau breeding program, partly due to the fact it was the first one released”.

6

Yum - cascade in kolsch - NOT! Noble hops only, please - I have tried all of those, not very kolsch like. . :wink:

7

Thanks! I am leaning toward Mt. Hood but it has been a while since I tried it and never in larger amounts like I have the Crystal.

8

+1 - also - keith I posted a response on NB -

9

All Mt Hood Pilsners are Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm MMMmmmmmmmmmmm Good

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I wasn’t suggesting free samples. For the quantity of beer that you are making it makes sense to put select ingredients into it and the only way to do that is for you to select them. They may be willing to send you some samples for a nominal fee. Just sayin’  :wink:

11

Already the grumpy, coin conscious commercial brewer…  :smiley:

If the Majorvices knows what a good Kolsch tastes like
and it’s with Crystal and a little more hop character,
spend the extra 10 bucks and do it up man.

Or, yea whatever, just get the cheapest 'merican made Hallertauer on the market and get her boiled up.
Its all good.

:wink:
Don’t get too fired up at my rude comment, it is a good natured rib and while
I can appreciate calculating expenses…

I’m just saying
Don’t compromise too much in your new endeavor!

Cheers.

12

Well, I’m not legal yet. Hopefully when I am I will be able to contract for some crystal. This is mostly for just testing the efficiency of my system - of course I want to be able to drink the beer too.  ;)

Also, to be fair, my vision for every beer I brew is to make it “Uniquely American” - so that is the reason for me using US hops. Its not about using cheap hops at all!!! Its about making something different!!! However - 24 bucks for a pound of hops is 2.4 times the amount I should have to pay. If I was only using 3 or 4 (or 6 or 7) oz that would be fine. However, I will need well over a pound of Crystal.

I may end up just going with whole hops and make some changes to my BK. I can get them at HD and probably freshops as well.

13

You might be surprised.  Hop wholesalers often give our club samples to try out.  Can’t hurt to check.

14

Are you bitter with Crystal too, Keith?  I would save them for flavor and aroma and use Magnum for the bittering hop.  Thats what I do with my yeller beers and they are crowd pleasers.  US Magnum have nice aroma as well.  You are the brewer though, so you make the ultimate choice, just sayin’ :wink:

15

Yeah, Magnum is normally my go to bittering hop but I have been experimenting with crystal as a FWH. It takes a lot of crystal. Not saying I will always go this route but it is fun trying right now.  :slight_smile: