Beer Forum

Need to use 1.4 oz of Horizon 12% alpha as a bittering addition (60 min) in a cappuccino stout. Most all sites say to use Magnum. However, Horizon is a low cohumulone hop, this means that the hop doesn't have much bittering ability no matter how much you boil it. I'm afraid if I use Magnum, it will be too bitter. Someone suggested Vanguard as a possibility. Or should I stick with Magnum and just use less, maybe 1 oz or 3/4 oz.

Any thoughts?

Northern Brewer would probably work as well. If you have pro-mash software just adjust for the AA% for the hops you use and that will guide you as to how much of each hop you should use.

CarlosHernandez wrote:However, Horizon is a low cohumulone hop, this means that the hop doesn't have much bittering ability no matter how much you boil it.

Ermm, what? I don't think the utilization differences among the alpha acids are large enough to be significant, especially considering the error introduced by things like degradation of AA% due to age. I would just use Magnum or Warrior (or anything else with a reputation as a clean, neutral bittering character) to the same IBU level and RDWHAHB

Low cohumulone does not mean that the hop doesn't have much bittering ability. Generally it's thought that low cohumulone hops have a smoother bitterness, not less bitterness. I'd go ahead and use magnum or warrior as was already suggested.

It's 12% AAs it's got plenty of bittering potential. Cohumulone is one of the several of alpha acids present in hops that contribute to the bitterness. Many whose palates are more well seasoned than mine say cohumulone imparts a harsher bitterness than other isomers, so a low cohumulone variety is desireable to produce a smoother bitterness.

Don't sweat it Magnum will be great.

Travisty wrote:Low cohumulone does not mean that the hop doesn't have much bittering ability. Generally it's thought that low cohumulone hops have a smoother bitterness, not less bitterness. I'd go ahead and use magnum or warrior as was already suggested.

+1

Sweet!

I think I will.

Thanks!

Magnum (either US or Gr) will work fine as well as Warrior. You may even be able to get away with Summit if it's only your bittering addition that gets subbed out. Adjust for alpha acids accordingly.