How to choose your hops

So I found this link to THE ULTIMATE HOP CHART.
The chart is very comprehensive, giving:

• Name 
• Alpha Acid %
• Typical Beer Styles
• Possible Substitutions
• Flavor Description

The chart is one of the better references I have found, I hope you enjoy.

Just wondering, what hops do you use in your "signature" brews?  Any unusual combination that you think works really well?  Comment back and share...




This is a great book, with good historical information as well as a great guide to how to put together recipes.

Get it at Amazon.com
Radical Brewing: Recipes, Tales and World-Altering Meditations in a Glass

Douglas Wawrzynski for AHA Governing Committee Representative

My good friend Doug is running for AHA Governing Committee Representative.  If you are a member of the American Homebrewers Association, please consider voting for him.  I believe you would be hard-pressed to find a better candidate. 

His profile can be seen using the following link: Doug's AHA Profile

Homebrew T-shirts

I made a few new designs in my line of Homebrewing T-shirts. 
Check them out at http://www.cafepress.com/redcardgear/5595199

The link at the right isn't an ad.  Red Card Gear is my T-shirt business, specializing in Soccer & Homebrewing t-shirts.  Here are a couple of my new designs that I though you might like.

Cascade Hops

Some beautiful Cascade Hops from one of my plants.  This was year 1 for these Rhizomes.  I have high hopes for them next year. 


To recap, I have 4 Brewers Gold and 2 Cascade.  My plans for this year are to add 2 more Cascade and 2 Fuggle.


I have used this book extensively for info, and highly recommend it.

Time flies by...

The more I try to stay away, the more I am drawn back to this blog...Could this be the final attempt?  I guess I can't be sure.  Honestly, my intention was never to withdraw myself from the blog.  The difficult thing which seems to occur, a balance of:  family - career - and hobbies.  While I haven't stopped my efforts to grow my own hops...the communication of this hobby obviously ceased for some time.

I am happy to report that my year 2 yield was better than expected.  I lost a substantial amount of the Cascade plants when I moved, but the Brewer's Gold came in with force.  So much force that my trellises came down with them!  Looking towards year 3, I will be planting more varieties, reinforcing my trellises, and looking into a more effective drying method.

The updates will come weekly, with planning first, then documentation of growth, and hopefully another successful year!

Who made that Hop Cake????

I owe a shout out to Cake Haven for the awesome Hop Cake. You can see her work at: www.cakehaven.com

If you live near Danbury, Connecticut and want a cake that will blow your friends and family away, give Francine a call!

Watcha Drinkin?

In this month's Watcha Drinkin...I indulged in the Ommegang Abbey Ale. Truly a delicious beer from an impressive brewery. Check them out at: www.ommegang.com

"Ommegang, our first brew, was inspired by the centuries-old brewing practices of the Belgian Trappist monks. This burgundian brew gives off a variety of aromas, including plum and cinnamon, and packs in flavors such as caramel, toffee, and licorice. At 8.5% abv, it is known to cause spontaneous meditation."