Thu Mar 29, 2012 12:08 pm
Sam Adams did a lattitude 48 single hop 12 pack a while ago. Two of each, Simcoe, Ahtanum, Columbus, East Kent Goldings, Hallertau, and original Lattitude 48. Simcoe was the stand out. Using that hop is like cheating. I don't know if its how different the hops, are or if the base beers were different, because the EKG showed some diacetyl. Wonder if they hopped to the same target IBU's also. Either way it was pretty interesting.
I've been planning on comparing 6 or so hops at a time by boiling up some wort, and dividing it into 6 different mason jars, each with a different hop, and letting it rest hot for 20 minutes. Then chilling and dosing with a bit of dry yeast. Just gotta figure out a way to control fermentation temps. I'll let you know when I get around to this.
Or I guess you could compare the dry hop character of an unlimited # of hops by just adding a couple pellets to bottles of of any subtly flavored beer. Let them sit for a few days and pour carefully. I do this all the time with commercial beers. Sierra Nevada tumbler is great with a decent size centennial pellet. Hey, gotta find something to do with the freezer full of partial ounces of hops. One of these days I'm gonna be glad I have 3 year old EKG and Saaz for my lambics.