SMASH suggestions

Maybe something like Centennial, Simcoe, and Mosaic, assuming you want to stick with american hops.

In a SMaSH beer, I'd say they'd be pretty different. Or are you asking which would be the best malt if you want to evaluate hops?

 

1. I'd definitely try out some NZ hops. An IPA blasted with German hops or the American appropriations would be a nice change of pace, and something I try to do once a year.
2. I agree with VikeMan, in a SMaSH, they'll make their presence known. Don't overlook Pilsner malt, either. Or maybe even 100% wheat or rye, just make sure you use a lot of rice hulls.

 

Sorachi Ace is pretty unique. Although I think it would be quite easy to overdo it. I did a pale ale with it an not sure I'd want more intense flavour from those hops on their own . ymmv

You could try one of the more pungent UK hops like Admiral or Pioneer if you can lay your hands on them

And the NZ ones are all winners

 

I'd vote for Mosaic, Citra and Galaxy (or Equinox). If your primary goal is to evaluate the hop differences, you might consider using something similar to the "Hop 2 It" malt bill rather than a single malt, e.g. roughly 75% 2-Row, 15% Maris Otter, 10% Crystal 20. If you want to stick to one malt from those 3, I would prefer to drink a smash made with Maris Otter due to the fuller flavor profile.

 

Definitely different beers. But more difficult to determine exactly what came from the malt and what came from the hops, to an extent. (But it sounds like comparison is not the goal.)

 

I'd actually try something like Pilsner malt as well.

I like to layer in pilsner malt with my other base malts. Lightens it up a bit, and gives a crisp background, IMO.

Anyways- try a Pilsner malt, and a new german hop, like mandarina bavaria.. I bet it'll blow your socks off.

 

Are you trying to learn something with these beers or just get something different? As @VikeMan said, you will get very different beers with these combinations. Why not pick one malt (Marris Otter or Golden Promise are both great malts) and then vary the hops? Goldings, Saaz, Centennial will get you very different beers even with the same IBUs. You can also try a couple different yeasts as well (for example WY1028 vs 1056 vs 1968 or Windsor vs US05 for dry yeast).

 

I'm a fan of both Citra and Galaxy, but I think they are very very similar. I'd choose one and go with a classic like Centennial instead of the other. Just my 2¢

 

Maris Otter is a huge difference from the others in my book but can only be appreciated in a SMSH beer.

 

You should do a simcoe smash IPA if you haven't already. I did. It came out great. 4.5oz hops with about 4 of it in the last 5 or less minutes.

I also agree with the maris otter smash idea. It handles a majorly under-hopped as well as a heavily hopped beer and maintains character. if you're gonna west-coast IPA it with a single hop, try a fruity one. If you're gonna mellow or English hop hit, make it a C-hop. I personally think maris otter shines most with a low to moderate dose of whatever hops you choose (willamette being my choice, fuggles 2nd, typically 4-5oz of each total, assuming their AA% is in the fives or so). But otherwise try it and see which way you like it best.

Pilsner malt makes a great smash too. Relish the 90 minute boil. Go light at 90. Blast it at FO.

 

Having never brewed with Maris Otter, Im intrigued by it; what does it offer over say a common American 2-row brewers malt?

Has anyone done a SMaSH with either Azzaca or Equinox? I have heard good things about both and Im thinking that one or both of those will be my first SMaSH experiment.

 

Personality.

 

Relevant: http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/9139/128415/
I had this (german IPA) not too long ago and it was really nice

 

Check out some other threads about single hop brews. I have heard good things about MO and citra SMaSH but have never tried it. I am bottling my Munich/Citra SMaSH today. Looking forward to trying it. Only my second brew, so I hope I didn't screw it up. My first was not smash, but was all cascade. Really good but I should have increased the dry hops/late additions for better nose. Good luck.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/poll-favorite-single-hop.7044/
http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/single-hop-pale-ale.220454/

 

I'm gonna do a vienna/citra smash soon, and a munich/simcoe smash somewhere down the road...

maybe throw mosaic into consideration, love that one...

 

I'm sure it will still taste fine. But it will definitely be different than a bottle that is a month or less old.

 

it'll be fine. Probably a bit less hoppy, but any supposed indication that it will suck is simply wrong.