Selecting hops for your craft beer

If you want to create your own craft beer recipe according to preferences, hops are a factor that homebrewers cannot ignore because they greatly affect the taste of beer.

Choose hops according to taste preferences

Hops differ in the level of Alpha-acids and essential oils contained in them. High-alpha-acid hops produce beer with sharpness and high bitterness. As for hops containing a large amount of essential oil, it will produce a beer with a very attractive aroma

Homebrewer can select hops according to characteristics:

– Very fragrant hops: Saaz, Bobek, Mittelfruh, Citra, Mosaic, …

– Fragrant hops: Hallertau Tradition, Pacifica, NZ Cascade,…

– Flower hops: Polaris, Mandarina Bavaria,…

– Bitter hops: Magnum, Herkules,…

Choose hops according to the stage of hops addition

Phase 1 adds hops at the beginning of the boiling process, helping to convert the alpha acid present in hops to increase the bitterness of the beer. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the percentage of alpha acid in the added hops at this stage.

Phase 2 adds hops near the end of the boiling. This process helps to extract the aromatic essential oil components in the hops, helping to create the aroma for the beer. So homebrewers can choose according to the scent of that hops strain.

Choose hops according to the typical beer recipe

Hops from different regions will produce beers with different flavors, aromas and bitterness. Homebrewers can also try brewing a few regional styles of beer using hops grown in that country. There are some popular strains of hops for use in Vietnam:

– New Zealand hops: Pacifica, Wakatu, Cascade, Nelson Sauvin,…

– Australian hops: Galaxy, Vic. Secret, Topaz, Helga, Ella,…

– United States hops: US Cascade, Chinook, Crystal, Centenial, Citra, Simcoe, Columbus,…

The creativity of craft beer is unlimited, homebrewers can mix hops to create your own recipe. However, do not forget to find out if the flavor of the hops you want to use is suitable for the recipe!

ABV Beer Shop provides more than 50 types of hops strains from many countries around the world such as Germany, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Czechoslovakia, Slovenia, UK,… Homebrewers can visit us to choose the type of hops you like and get more detailed advice. 
 If you are learning about craft beer or want to try brewing your delicious beer, contact ABV Beer Shop – the ideal destination for home brewers!