I'm rebrewing a pale ale today that I single hopped with Comet, but I found it was a little harsh for a pale ale (kind of in a Chinook way). I am going to bitter with something a bit softer, and plan on splitting the Comet 50-50 with something else. Any suggestions? I was considering Cascade or Centennial, but I also have on hand: Simcoe, Amarillo, Polaris, Hallertau (Mittelfrue and Tradition), CTZ, Willamette, Citra, Chinook and Calypso. The beer is pretty simple: 8.5 pounds Franco-Belges Pilen (used Maris Otter before, but unexpectedly ran out) .75 pounds Caravienna 2 ounces Chocolate Malt Around 40 ibus with an ounce split between Comet and the new hop at 10, 5, flame out and in a hop stand (4 oz total). San Diego Super Yeast (used US-05 in the past). Thanks!
Never used comet, can't speculate on that. Why the chocolate malt? Not criticising, just curious for your reasons for adding it, as it's not a typical pale ale recipe ingredient.
I just wanted to go a touch darker than the Caravienna (17-21L), but I like the flavor of it. So just a slight color adjustment.
Amarillo will go well with it, double up on the orange and citrus notes. However, it will probably double up on the sweaty danky taste of the Comet. I used Comet once, and I'm still shy with it. It's dank, dank, and then dank again. Citrusy, wild fruit aroma, and massive melon notes.. canteloupe, almost watermelon like when I dry hopped with it. Kind of a dark earthy flavor mixed in too. Chinook might could temp it, but I'd shy away as you said.. It's harsh and up front like comet can be. I'd suggest Simcoe, or Amarillo myself. Both will play nice.. Simcoe could get danky piney with it, which I think would be nice, but something bright might be in order. Comet isn't very bright, IMO. Amarillo and Comet sound good to me, maybe dry hop with some comet, and some Citra to boot. Will kinda take both ends of the spectrum. Expect mega citrus and melon, and then the taste like someone hid their weed in some dirty gym socks, and dry hopped with it.
I'd go with Cascade, Amarillo, or Centennial. Any of these wold be a good complement, but without any of the dankness and/or super aggressiveness. I'd don't think Chinook, Columbus, or Citra would tame it down much. Or you could go with even the even more mellow Willamette.
Is it even possible for willamette to NOT go with any other possible hop? I doubt it. Willamette is just good shit man. My being a cascade nut, don't hesitate to add cascade either.
Thanks for the replies. I went with Cascade, figured I should go back to the classics. Maybe next time, a little Willamette would be nice.
Willamette can be like a seasoning hop instead of a flavor/aroma hop. You use it to accentuate other flavors rather than to provide its own.
