Sun Jan 31, 2010 8:12 pm
I second the Cascade, it seems to be THE variety that most people have the most success with (several pounds per year versus ounces). It is also excellent in IPAs and basically any American style, or can be used in bittering most styles. And when it comes to IBUs, no worries, you'll figure it out after a batch or two.
Other prolific growers might be Nugget, Centennial, Mt. Hood, and Progress. I haven't grown these myself, but based on things that I have read over the past couple of years, I would expect any of these varieties to grow like crazy within a couple of years without much trouble.
Personally, I like to have some real German and English hop plants on hand as well, just for versatility for brewing different styles as well as authenticity, or at least, as close as I can get here in Wisconsin. I have had good success with my Hallertauer plant, it is very spicy and a bit herbal. And I plan to get Kent Goldings next, if I can find the real thing. These varieties don't produce as much, and are more prone to diseases, but... it really all depends what you want -- quality, or quantity? If you want something easier to grow, maybe I'd go with Mt. Hood and Progress instead, as these should be good approximations of the continental varieties.
But don't let me tell you what's best. Do what YOU like. If, for instance, you love American hops best, then by all means, go with Centennial, Chinook, Willamette... whatever you like. Those are just a few that I know the rhizomes are available somewhere out there. It seems you can't buy rhizomes of certain varieties, if they have new patents on them or whatever.
Dave
"This is grain, which any fool can eat, but for which the Lord intended a more divine means of consumption. Let us give praise to our Maker, and glory to His bounty, by learning about... BEER!" - Friar Tuck (Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves)