Favorite new hop variety?

[m00ps]

What's everyone's favorite "newer" hop variety? I'm talking about anything thats come along in the post-Citra boom. I've been going through all these awesome NZ/AU hops, but I think this German Hallertau Blanc takes the cake for me. Its kinda like a more flowery Nelson that doesn't come off as dank.

 

[m00ps]

I'm shamelessly bumping my thread since this got pushed off the newest threads page before I even had a chance to refresh...

 

[giraffe]

I like AU Summer a lot. Its flavor is unique, but it can be used in some more traditional styles without being totally off base.

Polaris is definitely interesting. I like adding a 1/4 oz or so to other hops as an accent. Too much is toothpaste.

 

[dkennedy]

Big fan of Mosaic, but that may be bumped off the top as I start experimenting with more of the hops from down under.

 

[m00ps]

Yeah, Mosaic is pretty amazing. I've tried a lot of the more recent US hops (Kohatu, Jarrylo, Waimea) but I haven;t found any that I enjoy as much as Mosiac. Although Meridian is very nice to compliment the finishing hops. Its like a sugary lemon flavor

 

[m00ps]

I like AU Summer a lot. Its flavor is unique, but it can be used in some more traditional styles without being totally off base.

Polaris is definitely interesting. I like adding a 1/4 oz or so to other hops as an accent. Too much is toothpaste.

So polaris really does have an icebreakers mint flavor? I have been afraid to order some cause I can;t see that fitting into one of my brews. (Aside from a cucumber mint saison I once made)

 

[BeerGrylls]

I've been hearing good things about otto supreme and armadillo (yes armadillo, not amarillo.)

 

[BeerGrylls]

So polaris really does have an icebreakers mint flavor? I have been afraid to order some cause I can;t see that fitting into one of my brews. (Aside from a cucumber mint saison I once made)

I have used polaris as a bittering hop since it's over 21% AA and at that point I only need a half an ounce or so. Typically I have paired with chinook, so whatever menthol flavor it may have gets washed out by the time the boil's out.

 

[kh54s10]

I recently did a pale ale with Citra and Exp5256.
It turned out a nice light citrusy ale.
I had not used Citra before either so I don't really know which contributed what to the flavor and aroma.

 

[Hanglow]

I've enjoyed beers with Archer, Jester and Endeavor. I'm fairly sure they are all fairly recent (last couple of years)

 

[giraffe]

So polaris really does have an icebreakers mint flavor? I have been afraid to order some cause I can;t see that fitting into one of my brews. (Aside from a cucumber mint saison I once made)

It has a pronounced minty/artificial blue flavor, and a stunningly high oil percentage, a little goes a long way. But i find a touch of it (like 20% of an addition) with herbal and spicy hops, like challenger, or sterling, brightens them up.

 

[m00ps]

I've been hearing good things about otto supreme and armadillo (yes armadillo, not amarillo.)

OMFG, there's an armadillo hop?!?! I hope its good, I want a sandshrew IPA

 

[BeerGrylls]

OMFG, there's an armadillo hop?!?! I hope its good, I want a sandshrew IPA

Haha yes! Here's what the description reads: "Aroma: Tangerine / California Clementine with hints of honey dew melons. AA= 5.9%"

http://www.yakimavalleyhops.com/ARMADILLOLEAF8OZ_p/hopsexparmadillo2.htm

 

[m00ps]

I just bought some of Otto Supreme and Armadillo

 

[rlemkin]

I'm really enjoying Vic Secret

 

[johnmac22]

I like AU Summer a lot. Its flavor is unique, but it can be used in some more traditional styles without being totally off base.

Polaris is definitely interesting. I like adding a 1/4 oz or so to other hops as an accent. Too much is toothpaste.

I used Summer with Cascade in an APA. Waiting for it to carb now and I cant wait!

 

[m00ps]

I'm really enjoying Vic Secret

I've shied away from that one just cause I can't imagine why they slapped that awful name on it when so many other hops names sound awesome. What's ti like?

 

[m00ps]

update:

Sandshrew IPA with Armadillo hops is great! I used all 8oz I ordered and bombed it at flameout. It is strangely similar to amarillo with less floral notes and a more founded fruit character thats less centered on citrus.

Otto Supreme saison is still fermenting but smells like a peach cobbler

But I've gone through a pound of hallertau blanc now and its easily still my favorite. I just need to find the perfect hop to pair it with...

 

[JKaranka]

Any good new hops that are not fruity? Earthy / floral / spicy? I've had some Archer last year but the two dry hops I did with it both got infected. Seemed floral, mellow and slightly fruity.

 

[m00ps]

.....isnt that like most of the spectrum of what hops can smell/taste like? I mean if you take out fruity floral earthy and spicy, whats left? herbal piney and citrus(maybe)?

I know Polaris is supposed to have a minty character...

 

[lawbadger]

I recently got some Mandarina Bavaria to use in a saison. Supposedly has a fruity, citrusy, Mandarin Orange flavor which should be interesting.

 

[wardens355]

I think a good idea for the forum would be to open up threads for all hop varieties as a place for people to post their impressions of all the various hops out there. There are so many hop varieties out there with limited or generic info on aroma/flavor that its hard to figure out which ones you want to choose for experimental brews. Gotta scour the web for any firsthand experiences with each one.

 

[bobbrews]

Apollo

...And all of its dank and piney uniqueness. Not too many brewers are using it outside of bittering purposes and that is a shame.

Similar to Columbus hops, it is a welcoming addition in a world where we are inundated with so many fruity, tropical, and citrusy American varieties.

 

[BierGut]

Just brewed a Pale Ale using Polaris for bittering and German Hull Mellon for aroma. The Hull Mellon hops give off such a nice strawberry aroma. Great beer to ferment using brett next time.