Discussion
Whilst having a walk around the local lakes, I noticed some wild hops growing - now, I quite fancy getting into home brewing, and thought that a run of beer with a local connection would be commercially viable for fund raising (village hall, church repairs etc).
Can I use them for anything, or have I got in way over my head for a total beginner?
Can I use them for anything, or have I got in way over my head for a total beginner?
Yeah you can use them, normally harvest them in the Autumn though (Sept/October). You can dry them out, after which they can be stored, or use them fresh.
What's difficult with the wild ones is you have no clue as to how bitter they are and what sort of aroma profiles they might impart to the beer until you make beer with them. Making a simple SMaSH recipe (Single Malt and Single Hop) with them would be the best way. This is a good guide using minimal equipment:
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/have-a-...
The suggested hop quantities are for dry, if you're using them fresh you'll need more.
What's difficult with the wild ones is you have no clue as to how bitter they are and what sort of aroma profiles they might impart to the beer until you make beer with them. Making a simple SMaSH recipe (Single Malt and Single Hop) with them would be the best way. This is a good guide using minimal equipment:
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/have-a-...
The suggested hop quantities are for dry, if you're using them fresh you'll need more.
Coffin Dodger is correct, though another approach you could take is to use a known hop for the bittering addition and then use these unknowns for the flavour and aroma. A better chance of brewing something you like that way.
More importantly, is that a recent photo? Or more is it from late summer/early autumn?
More importantly, is that a recent photo? Or more is it from late summer/early autumn?
What your thinking of has been done in Cardiff, you need a lot of hops!
http://foodcardiff.com/cardiff-hops-brewing-our-ow...
I have a few hop plants, Cascade and Golden Nugget. The Golden Nugget hops are awful, the Cascade nothing like what you'd expect. I did a golden beer with a very weak hop profile and dry hopped with the Cascade, about 70g I think I had for a 5gallon batch. That way the Cascade could only only improve the beer and in the end it was quite nice. The Golden Nugget smell terrible and not worthy of adding to anything. Hops will grow like crazy, but the end product ultimately depends on climate and soil. If the wild ones smell pleasant, dry hop them once dried, I dry mine out in my Jerky box. Green undried hops don't work that well and give a grassy profile.
http://foodcardiff.com/cardiff-hops-brewing-our-ow...
I have a few hop plants, Cascade and Golden Nugget. The Golden Nugget hops are awful, the Cascade nothing like what you'd expect. I did a golden beer with a very weak hop profile and dry hopped with the Cascade, about 70g I think I had for a 5gallon batch. That way the Cascade could only only improve the beer and in the end it was quite nice. The Golden Nugget smell terrible and not worthy of adding to anything. Hops will grow like crazy, but the end product ultimately depends on climate and soil. If the wild ones smell pleasant, dry hop them once dried, I dry mine out in my Jerky box. Green undried hops don't work that well and give a grassy profile.
Edited by SwanJack on Tuesday 26th February 19:09
Edited by SwanJack on Tuesday 26th February 19:12
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