Flavor and aroma profile of the Delta cultivar

[GSak]

Just brewed an Imperial IPA (http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/style14.php#1c) with 4.4% Delta hops. In 5gal terms, I used 5oz in the boil at 15 minutes, with a 4oz dry hop.

Smells like nothing; tastes like nothing-- Basically an even weaker version of Magnum. Way weaker than Chinook, which I consider pretty neutral.

If you want a bland IPA, use Delta.

Enjoy.

[Afterlab]

Delta (Hopsteiner 04188) is a new aroma variety that was developed by the Hopsteiner Breeding Program and released in 2009. It is a cross between Fuggle and a male variety derived from Cascade. Delta has a mild and pleasant aroma that is slightly spicy with a hint of citrus.

Alpha Acids 5.5 - 7.0%
Beta Acids 5.5 - 7.0%
Cohumulone (% of alpha acids) 22 - 24%
Total Oils (Mls. per 100 grams dried hops) 0.5 - 1.1
Myrcene (as % of other oils) 25 - 40%
Caryophyllene (as % of other oils) 9.0 - 15%
Humulene (as % of other oils) 25 - 35%
Farnesene (as % of other oils) < 1.0%
Possible Substitutions Fuggle, Willamette

Although 9 oz of a single hop is a tremendous amount in 5 gallons, the amount of oil in Delta is fairly low compared to more assertive hops and the Myrcene to Humulene levels are fairly balanced much like Willamette and UK Fuggles. It does have a sizable amount of Caryophellene like UK Fuggles so I would use it more more as a 30 minute flavor hop if I were to use it. Perhaps it would have a stronger presence if it were used in a SMaSH beer with a sweeter base malt like Golden Promise or something.

Thanks for the info.

[GSak]

And thank you for the response.

I should have added that this was in fact a SMASH brew, using Canada Malting's Superior Pilsen. One interesting thing about this malt (not necessarily related to the fermented product) is that a heavy (1.080-1.090ish) mash runoff tastes like white marshmallows.

I added a half handful of dark candi rocks for color, in the boil (surprised how dark those things are).