Using Hops

There are many varieties of hop, with each being rated according to its ‘alpha acid’ content, which gives an indication of its bitterness. Hops with a high alpha acid rating tend to be added early in the boiling process to lend bitterness to the beer, while hops with a lower rating are often used at the end of the boil as a way of providing aroma and more subtle flavours. Complex brews will have combinations of hops added throughout the boiling process, building up unique flavours and aromas that show off the brewer’s craft. We’ve kept things simple with our recipes, but once you get more familiar with their potential you can easily experiment, creating whole new beers just by changing what hops you use and how you use them.