R. Gibson
Master Brewer
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2011
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Has anyone got a good method for knowing how to blend hops? Or is it just a trial and error thing? I mean, I can combine hops in my hand, rub and sniff...but I know there is a lot more to it than that. Alpha Acids, Cohumulone, overall VOC interaction, etc.
I heard from a pro brewer a while back that there is more to blending hops than simply flavor or aroma alone. Some hops simply work better together than others. Some hops while great on their own, become harsh when blended with certain other hops, or harsh hops can become fantastic when blended with other specific hops.
...and then there is blend proportion...should they be 50/50, 75/25, or some other amount? What if you try to blend more than two?...so again, is there any "formula" for an amateur brewer to know how to at least estimate which hops work well together?
I heard from a pro brewer a while back that there is more to blending hops than simply flavor or aroma alone. Some hops simply work better together than others. Some hops while great on their own, become harsh when blended with certain other hops, or harsh hops can become fantastic when blended with other specific hops.
...and then there is blend proportion...should they be 50/50, 75/25, or some other amount? What if you try to blend more than two?...so again, is there any "formula" for an amateur brewer to know how to at least estimate which hops work well together?