Hop of the Week

  Last week we discussed England's mild-mannered friend the East Kent Golding. This week, we're jumping to the other side of the pond to meet the American roughneck, Chinook. This hop is usually used for its bitterness but has lately gained popularity for the aromatics it imparts in many American craft beers across the style spectrum. Hailing from the hop-friendly Pacific Northwest, the Chinook hop has an interesting profile that the budding brewer will definitely want to know about. Read More...

So far, our Hops of the Week have gone the big and bold route. However, not all beers are of the hoppy variety. Think most things English or Belgian. The last hop we covered was Centennial, Cascade's bigger, more bitter cousin. This week we're cooling out with the East Kent Golding, a low-key but much-used English hop with a unique palate. If you've tried a few English ales or lagers (or perhaps some certain Belgian ales) chances are you've encountered the mellow yet flavorful contributions of the East Kent Golding. If you're interested in brewing (and/or drinking) English style beers, then this hop is an essential addition to your beer lexicon.

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  The last hop we tackled was Cascade, the citrusy workhorse of the craft beer industry, but today we're focusing on Centennial: Cascade's bigger, more bitter, less flowery cousin. A highly versatile hop, Centennial's bitterness can stand up to most styles of beer while its aroma easily fills the noses of eagerly sipping beer drinkers with scents ranging from delicate to aggressive citrus hopiness. Use more sparingly than Cascade unless you're looking to turn your pale ale up to 11.

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In the American beer scene, no other variety of hops has the presence Cascade Hops can boast. Just one whiff of the green little flowers, and you'll be transported to a bar stool at one of the hundreds of brewpubs across the country sitting before a juicy burger and an aromatic pale ale. And once you're done with your burger, you'll come face to face with the classic citrus and pine flavors of Cascade hops.

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These fine looking green cones to your right are hops (before they are smashed into handy pellets). Hops add aroma, flavor and bitterness to beer. Hailing from across the globe there are a variety to choose from to lend spicy, earthy, peppery and floral notes to your beer.

Each week The Mash will feature a new hop, providing valuable information to brewers and drinkers alike.

This week's hop is Amarillo, which may seem as though they might be grown in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrennes but in fact come from Washington State and lend citrusy flavor to American Pale Ales & IPAs.

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