Favorite Underdog Hop

Strisselspalt . . . puts the German nobles to shame . . .

 

Sterling... specifically the stuff from Hops Direct.

Nugget is a close second

 

Another vote for Sterling.

 

+1 to nugget. Yields well in the field and depending when you apply it , gives me some nice flavors.

 

Topaz

 

Chinook. I also love Ekuanot, but it’s gaining in popularity.

 

Cluster, for the Pre-Pro Pils. The last one I made had Sterling for late additions, as I was out of Saaz. It was a sad day when that keg blew.

 

When I found out some hops were proprietary, I basic tried to phase them out of my brewing, so I have found a bunch of "old" hops or underrated ones that I love.

Comet has become my baby though, works in all styles, and when proportioned right, can trick some people as to what it is.

 

I've been slowly doing that, tell me more about comet.

 

Sterling is working well as a late addition in the saison I'm drinking. I've brewed with it many times, usually as a sub for Saaz.

 

To me comet is a perfect duel purpose hop. Around 8-11% alpha, it holds up as a good bittering hop. Originally that is what it was for when released back in the late 70s early 80s, and many feel it is still just that. I find that it often can be a little harsh, so scaling and adding just the right amount for bitterness need paying attention too. Flavor and aroma wise, it gives a large amount of grapefruit, or that is what I get. There are some more grassy/herbal notes to it, but not much in my opinion. I make and IPA with just comet and it is a very good normal, west coast if you must, IPA. I have bittered a lager with it once, thought it was good, and made many browns and stouts using it at different points depending on what I want. My last brown that used it was the one that took first at the NHC in Boston. I have pretty much removed citra from my inventory sheet and replaced it with Comet.

 

Count me in for 2 rhizomes if u gottem

 

I will put you on a list I have started for my homebrew club and a local florist. Just PM me your shipping info and I will let you know once they are on the way.

 

I personally wouldn't consider Vic Secret an underdog by any means. Pretty popular hop!

For me, Nugget and Comet. CTZ as dry hopping, too. Pretty epic aroma and flavor coming from those!

 

Falconers Flight

 

Old school vote for Cascade. It's a backbone hop for me in a lot of hoppy pale ales, and at (usually) under $10/lb brings down my total cost when I combine it with other more popular hops.

 

Willamette. Nice floral hop that is fine by itself in pale ales, saison, stouts. Also works great paired with hops like cascade and centennial. I usually always have a pound in hand.

 

Crystal takes it for me. I love it in a kellerpils.