My christmas gift from my father-in-law included a box full of hops. A mix of pellets, and whole cones too. I’m a little overwhelmed, and for the night I couldn’t really focus on what we were doing. All I could think about were recipes. Here’s why:
Whole cones:
- Galena – 13.2% α
- UK East Kent Goldings – 6.4% α (freshly imported)
- Santiam – 6.8% α
- Crystal – 3.9% α
- Vanguard – 4.4% α
- Nugget – 13.2% α
and for Pellets:
- Cascades – 5.7% α
- US Fuggle – 3.7% α
- Simcoe – 12.1% α
- Chinooks – 12.2% α
- Centennial – 10.0% α
- Palisades – 9.7% α
There are a couple I’ve never heard of, and one in particular makes me nervous. The Palisades are supposedly a new variety that could replace Willamettes. Willamettes are one of the most widely grown varieties here in the, uh, Willamette Valley, and the Palisade has a higher alpha acid content and a higher productivity, which could seriously hurt hop growers. Its one of those cases where the green revolution has surpassed its benefit to a large number of people and concentrated the benefit for one or two folks. You know who I’m talking about. The king of beers.
Regardless, I’m pretty damn excited because many of these hops will be very useful in expanding the variety of beer styles I can brew. I know Crystal and Galena to be favorites of Rogue, and there are several noble-style hops that rarely use.
Oddly enough – my coffee has taken on a distinctive hop flavor. Maybe I should move this box somewhere else.