I normally brew with a variety of hops, but usually include some lower alpha acid in the mix. Tomorrow I’m planning to brew with only high AA hops (Nelson sauvin and pacific jade). I’m trying to keep the IBU’s in the pilsner range while still getting good flavor and aroma characteristics from the hops, but the amount of hops I need to use to keep the IBU’s down seems mighty low. So, I’m wondering, does high AA hops give me more bang for my buck all around, or will I just get a bitter beer without the aroma and flavor I’m looking for?
Move the hop additions closer to the end of the boil to keep your IBU’s where you want them and still get good flavor and aroma. Skip the earlier bittering additions you would normally do.
Thanks. Of course. I knew that.
I just did a pale ale with Pacific Jade as a single hop (60,15,5min) and I enjoyed it although I thought it didn’t have much citrusy character. The Nelson Sauvin ought to bring some of that, sounds like an interesting combo.
Cool. How was the bitterness? Also, did you get any of the pepper notes I read about?
I’m keeping it fairly light and using Bohemian Pilsner yeast at about 16*C. I’m gonna call it a pilsner.
Can’t say I got much spiciness either. The bitterness was firm but smooth so that part was nice. I’ll drink another one tonight after work and try and find the pepper for you. Its the least I can do.
When dealing with a high alpha that I want to taste more of but not go off the chart with BU’s, I usually add the bittering charge at no earlier than 45 minutes but usually at 30 minutes which is where the flavor starts to really come through while maintaining a solid bitterness.